Charles Jourdan #1

This poster from Guy Bourdin’s exhibition “Avant Garde” shows two feet in high heels with an airplane flying above.

Bourdin was known for his thought-provoking and surrealist scenes where he transformed everyday events into extraordinary photos that spark the viewer’s imagination.
Alongside photographers such as Helmut Newton, Bourdin re-invented the meaning of fashion photography. The unique aesthetic of Bourdin can be seen in his earlier work for Vogue Paris where he focused more on the photograph itself rather than the product that was advertised in the image.

The surrealist and dadaist Man Ray was a great inspiration for Bourdin, and their mutual admiration and respect for each other resulted in Man Ray writing the introduction for one of Bourdin’s first exhibitions. His fashion campaign “Walking Legs” for shoe designer Charles Jourdan became a sensation and their collaboration continued for decades.

In 1985 he was awarded the honourable Grand Prix National de la photographie from de French ministry of cultural affairs – an award he politely turned down. A talent one cannot pigeonhole, Guy Bourdin remains a mystery.

Size: 50x70 cm / 19.69"W 27.56"H

Printed on 170g FSC-certified paper.