Source: wmagazine.comExhibition Details: The exhibition runs from March 29 to May 24, 2025, at the Mack + Webber 939 gallery in Los Angeles (939 S. Santa Fe Avenue Los Angeles 90021).
Photo Origins: The displayed images are drawn from two of Lanthimos's recent photography books: *i shall sing these songs beautifully* (shot during the filming of *Kinds of Kindness*) and *Dear God, the Parthenon Is Still Broken* (created during the production of *Poor Things*).
Featured Subjects: The collection includes portraits of actors like Emma Stone, Margaret Qualley, and Hunter Schafer, often captured in moments that blend behind-the-scenes reality with the director's signature eerie aesthetic.
Artistic Intent: Lanthimos emphasizes that these photos are not merely promotional film stills but represent a separate artistic practice, offering a different narrative and perspective independent of his movies.
Self-Taught Skill: Lanthimos has seriously pursued photography in recent years, largely teaching himself through resources like YouTube videos, alongside brief guidance from a professional.
Why this matters: This exhibition offers fans and art enthusiasts a rare glimpse into the multifaceted artistic vision of a major contemporary filmmaker, revealing how his unique perspective translates across different mediums. It highlights the evolution of a director exploring new avenues of creative expression.
Yorgos Lanthimos's foray into photography marks a significant expansion of his artistic repertoire. While taking photos on set began as a common directorial habit, it has evolved into a dedicated practice. Lanthimos describes his photography as needing 'to be something other than the film. A totally different perspective.' This is evident in the exhibition's works, which, while often featuring actors and sets from his recent films *Poor Things* and *Kinds of Kindness*, possess a distinct quality.
The photographs often capture subjects in ambiguous states—between characters and their real selves, interacting with the artifice of the set in unexpected ways (like Emma Stone in costume holding a disposable coffee cup), or turning away from the camera. This aligns with the 'macabre absurdities' and peculiar spirit found in his films but translated into the stillness of a photograph.
His process, involving self-teaching and even developing film negatives with Emma Stone after shooting days for *Poor Things*, underscores his commitment to this medium. The exhibition doesn't just showcase behind-the-scenes moments; it curates a vision that explores the 'bones of the unique world' created for his films and the landscapes they inhabit, constructing a 'different narrative'. It's an exploration of seeing, both for the director and the viewer, extending the Lanthimos universe beyond the cinema screen.
Who is Yorgos Lanthimos?
Yorgos Lanthimos is an Oscar-nominated Greek film director known for critically acclaimed films such as *The Lobster*, *The Favourite*, *Poor Things*, and *Kinds of Kindness*, characterized by their distinctive visual style and exploration of dark, often absurd themes.
What is the exhibition about?
It's the first major exhibition of Yorgos Lanthimos's fine art photography, featuring images taken primarily during the production of his recent films, offering a look into his unique perspective through still images.
Where and when can I see the exhibition?
The exhibition, *Yorgos Lanthimos: Photographs*, is on view at the Mack + Webber 939 gallery in Los Angeles from March 29 to May 24, 2025.
Gain insight into how a renowned filmmaker translates his unique vision into still photography.
Explore a different facet of Yorgos Lanthimos's creative output beyond his well-known films.
Appreciate the artistry of photography as an independent medium, even when linked to film production.
Consider visiting the LA exhibition if interested in contemporary art, photography, or Lanthimos's work.
Yorgos Lanthimos is known for his distinct and often unsettling cinematic worlds. How do you think his photographic style compares to his filmmaking? Do you think this trend of filmmakers exploring photography will continue?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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