Helmut Newton

Helmut Newton was born as Helmut Neustädter on October 31, 1920, in Berlin, Germany. He was the son of Klara 'Claire' (née Marquis) and Max Neustädter, a button manufacturer who had come to Berlin in 1886 from Silesia as a factory worker. Helmut showed an early interest in photography, which turned into a lifelong passion and career.

As a Jewish family in Germany during the Nazi regime, the Neustädters faced immense peril. In December 1938, Helmut was forced to leave Germany due to his Jewish heritage. He escaped first to Singapore and then moved to Australia in 1940, where he served in the Australian Army during World War II, and later became a naturalized citizen.

In 1961, Helmut Newton moved to Paris, which was a major turning point in his career. There, his career as a fashion photographer truly blossomed as he began working extensively with French Vogue. His unique style, marked by its erotic and bold imagery, earned him acclaim and recognition in the fashion industry.

Helmut Newton published his first book, 'White Women', in 1976, which was a collection that exemplified his provocative and boundary-pushing photographic style. The book contained a range of photographs that depicted themes of female empowerment, eroticism, and fashion, and established him as a groundbreaking photographer.

In 1981, Helmut Newton released one of his most iconic series, 'Big Nudes'. This series marked a departure from his earlier work and was characterized by its large format and powerful depiction of the female form. The series was met with both acclaim and controversy for its bold and unapologetic portrayal of nudes.

The Helmut Newton Foundation was founded in Berlin in 2000. Its primary aim is to preserve and promote the photographic works of Helmut Newton, as well as his wife, June Newton. The foundation frequently hosts exhibitions and events that explore the breadth of Newton's contributions to photography.

Helmut Newton died in a car accident in Los Angeles on January 23, 2004, shortly after leaving the Chateau Marmont Hotel. His death was a great loss to the world of photography. He left behind a legacy of innovative and provocative work that continues to influence photographers and artists worldwide.

In October 2004, the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin hosted a major retrospective of Newton's work, showcasing his influence and the breadth of his career. The exhibition featured numerous iconic photographs and drew large crowds, eager to celebrate and remember Newton's impactful contributions to art and fashion photography.

In 2013, France celebrated the 50th anniversary of Helmut Newton's influential move to Paris with a major exhibition at the Grand Palais. This exhibition covered various phases of his career, showcasing his significant impact on fashion photography and his artistic influence in Paris, where many of his iconic images were created.

The centenary of Helmut Newton's birth in 2020 was marked by various worldwide exhibitions and tributes honoring his work and influence. Several prominent galleries and institutions showcased retrospectives of his iconic work, underscoring his lasting impact on the field of photography and his artistry.