Paolo Roversi is one of today’s most celebrated fashion photographers. Over the years he has developed a highly distinctive style that is instantly recognizable. His photos typically feature a single model, shown in full body or upper body, against a monochrome background. Many of his photos have washed out colors and a bit of motion blur due to long exposure times, giving them a dream like quality.
An exhibition at the Palais Galliera in Paris brings together some 140 of his photographs covering fifty years of work, from editorials and advertising campaigns for the likes of Comme des Garçons and Yohji Yamamoto to Polaroids from Roversi’s personal archive. Surprisingly, this is the first exhibition of his work in Paris, even though Roversi has been based in Paris since 1973.
The photographs are mixed together and displayed in no particular chronological order. It shows that, once he had found his voice, his work remained remarkably consistent.
With its red walls and intimate lighting the Palais Galliera is the perfect setting for a retrospective of the work of Paolo Roversi. Unfortunately, all the lockers were occupied so I had to carry my backpack with me all the time.
The exhibition is accompanied by a 200-page catalogue, which you can also buy from your favorite bookstore, if you can't make it to the show.
Paolo Roversi is at the Palais Galliera in Paris until 14 July 2024.