The McCord Stewart Museum is currently hosting two major exhibitions that celebrate fashion photography from complementary perspectives: Norman Parkinson: Always in Style and Portraits and Fashion: Quebec Photographers Beyond Borders. These exhibitions offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of fashion through the lens of both legendary and contemporary photographers, each bringing a distinct and enriching perspective.
Norman Parkinson: Always in Style
The exhibition dedicated to Norman Parkinson explores the work of a photographer who redefined fashion photography in the 20th century. From his beginnings in the 1930s in London to his prestigious collaborations with magazines such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, Parkinson captured the essence of the eras he traversed with unmatched elegance.
Visitors can admire his iconic portraits of celebrities like Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor, as well as his fashion photo series that have made history with their sophistication and innovation. The exhibition also highlights how Parkinson was a pioneer in color photography, bringing his subjects to life with a new vibrancy that captivated the fashion world. Each photograph is a testament to his talent for capturing not only beauty but also the spirit of the times, while imposing a style that remains timeless.
Portraits and Fashion: Quebec Photographers Beyond Borders
The Portraits and Fashion: Quebec Photographers Beyond Borders exhibition at the McCord Stewart Museum brings together the works of 17 Quebec photographers, including some of the most influential names on the international scene such as Max Abadian, Andréanne Gauthier, Shayne Laverdière, and Norman Jean Roy. Under the direction of curator Thierry-Maxime Loriot, this exhibition offers a rich and varied vision of fashion photography, where each image is imbued with a unique sensitivity.
The works presented capture iconic portraits of figures such as Céline Dion, Leonard Cohen, and Joaquin Phoenix, while exploring a wide range of styles, from sophisticated elegance to raw intimacy. The exhibited photographers, accustomed to collaborating with renowned magazines and iconic figures from the worlds of fashion and music, demonstrate their ability to navigate seamlessly between the different realms of editorial, artistic, and commercial photography.
The exhibition goes beyond simple portraits, offering visitors an immersive experience in the creative process of these artists through a multisurface projection created by Rodeo FX. This multimedia installation allows viewers to discover the behind-the-scenes creation, providing insight into the inspirations and working methods that underpin each image.
These two exhibitions at the McCord Stewart Museum offer an exceptional opportunity to delve into the history and future of fashion photography. Whether you are a fashion enthusiast, photography lover, or simply curious to discover captivating visual works, Norman Parkinson: A Photographic Journey and Portraits and Fashion: Quebec Photographers Beyond Borders promise a rewarding and inspiring experience.
