Monday, May 14, 2012

Lee Friedlander at the Fraenkel Gallery



"Mannequin"

Friedlander's images are distinctly graphic in their composition and typically imbued with sophisticated humor and satire. A few of the compositions are simply brilliant. It's also important to note that the images are fun.

His mannequins were photographed very much the same way fashion was photographed in the 50s and 60s: extreme angles, well thought out graphic lines making up dynamic backgrounds - no small task considering that most of the backgrounds to the mannequins were composed from the buildings and structures reflected in the windows separating Friedlander from his subjects.

The prints are well made. They are rich and contrasty - possibly another nod to fashion photography of the last century.

I've never been a big Friedlander fan, but this exhibition, Mannequin, is impressive and a significant body of work for the artist.