Fri 3/13 @ 10AM
Herb Ritts’ career coincided with the rise of rock musicians as high-fashion icons. His work as a celebrity photographer took off in the early ’80s, coinciding with the debut of MTV with its emphasis on eye-grabbing appearance and the rise of the megamillion-selling ’80s superstar.
For someone as glamour-minded as Ritts, it was perfect timing. He became one of the top fashion and celebrity photographers of the ’80s and ’90s, known for his work with image-conscious acts like Madonna for whom controlling presentation was as essential as music. His sensibility was ideal for an era in which rock and pop stars began to patronize big-name designers as faithfully as movie stars did. (He died in 2002 at the age of 50).
There’s nothing intimate or revealing about his work: it’s all glossy, alluring surface. But the artfulness, theatricality and skill with which he created his images is arresting.
His work goes on display at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in a show titled Herb Ritts: The Rock Portraits. The show features performers such as David Bowie, Madonna and Tina Turner whose high-concept visuals found perfect confluence with Ritts’ strengths. It includes photos seen for the first time, video interviews with Rittz, video footage (he also directed videos for artists like Madonna, Chris Isaak, Mariah Carey and Michael Jackson) contact sheets and interactive stations featuring the album covers he shot.
The exhibit is free with regular Rock Hall admission: $22 for adults, $18 for northeast Ohio residents.
rockhall.com/herb-ritts–the-rock-portraits/