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David LaChapelle
DAVID LACHAPELLE
David LaChapelle (*1963 in Connecticut) began his journey in the arts as a painter before transitioning to photography. His innovative approach involved hand-painting negatives, creating a unique spectrum of colors in his film work. At 17, he moved to New York City, where his talent caught the eye of Andy Warhol, leading to a position at Interview Magazine.
Famed for his mastery of color, unconventional compositions, and imaginative storytelling, LaChapelle pushed the boundaries of photography. His work challenged traditional norms and quickly gained global recognition. The New York Times even forecasted his influence on future generations, likening it to Avedon’s impact.
Over the years, LaChapelle’s portfolio expanded to encompass music videos, films, and stage projects. His iconic photographs, often depicting notable figures from various fields, have become symbolic of contemporary America. He’s released several books and expanded his creative pursuits beyond photography.
In 2023, LaChapelle received the prestigious “Lorenzo il Magnifico” Lifetime Achievement Award at the XIV Florence Biennale, acknowledging his immense contributions to the arts. His exhibitions have graced renowned galleries and museums worldwide, solidifying his position as one of the most prolific and influential photographers of the last three decades.
Biography
David LaChapelle was born in Connecticut in 1963 and attended high school at North Carolina School of The Arts. Originally enrolled as a painter, he developed an analogue technique by hand-painting his negatives to achieve a sublime spectrum of color before processing his film.
At age 17, LaChapelle moved to New York City. Following his first photography show, he was hired by Andy Warhol to work at »Interview« magazine.
Through his mastery of color, unique composition, and imaginative narratives, LaChapelle began to expand the genre of photography. His staged tableau, portrait and still life works challenged devices of traditional photography and his work quickly gained international interest.
By 1991, »The New York Times« predicted, »LaChapelle is certain to influence the work of a new generation (…) in the same way that Mr. Avedon pioneered so much of what is familiar today.«
In the decades since, LaChapelle has become one of the most published photographers throughout the world with an anthology of books. Simultaneously, his work has expanded into music video, film and stage projects. His 2005 feature film »Rize« was released theatrically in 17 countries. Many of his still and film works have become iconic archetypes of America in the 21st Century.
David LaChapelle is one of the most exhibited contemporary photographic artists of our time.
Selected Exhibitions
2023 · Salone Degli Incanti · Trieste
2022 · Fotografiska · New York
2021 · Maschio Angioino · Napoli
2019 · La Venaria Reale · Turin
2018 · Groninger Museum · Groningen
2017 · Casa dei Tre Oci · Venice
2017 · Ara Modern Art Museum · Seoul
2016 · Edward Hopper House · New York
2016 · Usina del Arte · Buenos Aires
2015 · Museum of Contemporary Art · Santiago de Chile
2015 · Museo de Arte Contemporáneo · Lima
2015 · Palazzo Delle Esposizioni · Rome
2012 · Fotografiska Museum · Stockholm
2011 · Museo de Arte Contemporáneo · San Juan
2011 · Lever House · New York
2010 · Museum of Contemporary Art · Toronto
2010 · Museum of Contemporary Art · Taipei
2010 · Tel Aviv Museum of Art · Tel Aviv
2009 · Museo de Las Artes · Guadalajara
2009 · Musée de la Monnai · Paris
2008 · Forte Belvedere Museum · Florence
2008 · Fotografiska Museum · Stockholm
2007 · Palazzo Reale Museum · Milan
2007 · Museo de Arte Latinoamerica de Buenos Aires · Buenos Aires
2006 · Helmut Newton Foundation · Berlin
2002 · Kunst Haus · Vienna
1999 · Palazzo Delle Esposizioni · Rome
1998 · Les Recontres d’Arles · Arles
1984 · Santa Fe Center for Photography · Santa Fe
Selected Books
Lost + Found (Taschen , 2019)
Good News (Taschen, 2017)
Heaven to Hell (Taschen, 2006)
Hotel LaChapelle (Bulfinch, 1999)
LaChapelle Land (B&T, 1996)
Selected Auction Results
2019 · »Pieta with Courtney Love« · US$ 51.000 · Phillips
2015 · »Deluge« · US$ 94.000 · Sotheby’s
2015 · »Amanda as Andy Warhol’s (…)« · US$ 66.000 · Phillips
2014 · »Once in the Garden« · 180.000 € · Dorotheum
2014 · »Life Ball Audi S1« · 110.000 € · Dorotheum
2013 · »Deluge« · US$ 111.000 · Phillips
2013 · »Berlin Stories« · US$ 53.000 · Christie’s
2012 · »Deluge« · US$ 115.000 · Sotheby’s
2012 · »Negative Currency« · US$ 70.000 · Bukowskis
2012 · »Pieta with Courtney Love« · US$ 59.000 · Phillips
2011 · »Deluge: Museum« · US$ 127.000 · Sotheby’s
2010 · »Last Supper« · US$ 134.500 · Phillips
2010 · »Addicted to Diamonds« · US$ 79.000 · Phillips
2009 · »Deluge: Museum« · US$ 140.000 · Sotheby’s
2008 · »Naomi Campbell: Fruit Passion« · US$ 51.000 · Sotheby’s