Irving Penn American, 1917-2009

Irving Penn (1917-2009) was an American photographer and artist known for his iconic portraits, still-life compositions, and groundbreaking advertising photography. Born in Plainfield, New Jersey, Penn studied at the Art Students League in New York City and began his career as a commercial photographer in the 1930s. He quickly gained recognition for his distinctive style, which emphasized simplicity, minimalism, and a focus on the subject's texture and form. Penn's work appeared in numerous publications, including Vogue and Harper's Bazaar, and he shot numerous famous portraits of celebrities, intellectuals, and artists, including Georgia O'Keeffe, Andy Warhol, and John Lennon. He also experimented with still-life photography, creating innovative images of everyday objects and natural forms. Throughout his long career, Penn received numerous awards and accolades, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and the Hasselblad Award. His work continues to influence photographers and artists today.