Renowned fashion photographer José Manuel Ferrater presents his new exhibition at LAB 36 gallery. The exhibition features a dialogue between two projects separated by 40 years, reflecting on how the fashion industry has shifted from highlighting iconic models and recognized photographers to prioritizing anonymous figures to focus attention on brands.
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"Fashion photography? It was the wild west. An unexplored territory.” - José Manuel Ferrater
In the 1980s, the fashion world saw a strong presence of iconic models and recognized photographers. Dresses, accessories, and designs took a backseat, overshadowed by the charisma and fame of the individuals presenting them. Major brands became concerned as public attention shifted more towards models and photographers rather than their own products.
In recent decades, we've witnessed a significant change. Models have shifted from being iconic figures to anonymous tools for showcasing clothing and accessories. This depersonalization has led to a certain decline in fashion photography, where the individuals behind the cameras and runways no longer enjoy the same recognition and prestige as before.
José Manuel Ferrater invites us to reflect on this change in "TWO + ONE 1989/2024". The exhibition brings together two personal projects that, despite being separated by 40 years, converge in a single space. The first series of photographs, taken in the artist's Palo Alto studio in 1984, celebrates the individuality, essence, rebellion, and humanity of the models. The second series, featuring anonymous and faceless models, critiques the trend towards depersonalization, highlighting how the industry has evolved towards a more superficial and commercial representation.
