“The Radical Eye” offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see one of the world’s most important photography collections. This is a remarkable group of modernist images ranging from the 1920s to the 1950s, almost 200 rare vintage prints from groundbreaking photographers such as Berenice Abbott, André Kertész, Man Ray, Alexandr Rodchenko and Edward Steichen.
The quality and depth of this collection allows “The Radical Eye” to tell the story of modernist photography. Nearly every major modernist photographer is included, their work presented thematically rather than chronologically, allowing viewers can follow along as they discover a new means to communicate and represent the world. In addition, an incredible group of Man Ray portraits are exhibited together here for the first time, including portraits of Matisse, Picasso, and Breton.
Sir Elton John began collecting photographs in 1990, shortly after a stint in rehab—“When he found his sobriety, he saw life with new eyes,” says Newell Harbin, director of Mr. John’s collection. “He realized, going back to when he was a child and looking at posters of these famous photographs, that this was his moment, and that he could really start from there.” The result is a unique and historic collection of iconic modernist images.
“The Radical Eye” is at Tate Modern through May 7. PROVOKR members can enjoy a selection of images from the show, above and below.
Humanly Impossible (Self-Portrait) by Herbert Bayer (1932). Photomontage, bromoil gelatin silver print with gouache and airbrush on paper. 394 x 295 mm.
Patricia, New York by Josef Breitenbach (c. 1942). Photograph; Bromoil transfer print on gelatin silver paper. 343 x 257 mm.
