Visitors hear first-hand perspectives on photography’s role in the definition of beauty. Recently, the Photography Space complemented those presentations with talks by high-profile models and actresses, who provided their own insights on working in front of the camera. The Space offered a conversation between model and actress Amber Valletta and photographer Amanda de Cadenet. A few weeks previously, award-winning actress Charlize Theron participated in a lecture with photographer Randall Slavin.
Valletta has graced the covers of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, W and Time. She has served as the face of some of the biggest brands in fashion. de Cadenet is a renowned fashion and portrait photographer, television producer and host.
With de Cadenet leading the frank conversation, Valetta presented images from her career, highlighting those in which she felt the most inspired and free to express herself. She also revealed photographs in which her image was manipulated, stressing the importance of sharing with the public the reality behind the fantasy created in fashion photography.
Theron participated in a behind the scenes tour of the images in Slavin’s project “REACH: 24 portraits by Randall Slavin to benefit the CTAOP.” Theron launched the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP) in 2007 with the aid of the Entertainment Industry Foundation. CTAOP is committed to reducing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS and sexual violence among African youth by supporting and collaborating with organizations that provide preventive education.
REACH is a collection of previously unseen portraits of some of the most influential names of our time including Clint Eastwood, Eddie Vedder and Bill Clinton. Theron introduced Slavin and re-joined the discussion during the Q&A portion of the presentation.
The BEAUTY CULTURE exhibit, open through November 27, features works from over 100 iconic photographers. The IRIS Nights lecture series takes place Thursday evenings and is free to the public with advance registration.
The Annenberg Space for Photography is a cultural destination dedicated to exhibiting compelling photography.