Guy Bourdin - Image Maker

When I collated my 2014 round up, I realised that my exhibition game was lacking. Unless I get invited to the press view, it's usually impossible for me to take pictures which puts me off a little (documentation is my thing, don't' cha know). With this in mind I went to the Guy Bourdin retrospective at Somerset expecting to leave with a few sneaky Instagrams, but still a useful experience nonetheless. When I start talking to myself during an exhibition, I know I've found a good egg. Add to this being able to take pictures and you have a very happy Kristabel indeed and a rather cultural Friday post that might not have happened otherwise. I guess I lump all of this kind of photography into a general 'retro' category but really it's so much more, Bourdin's style was so subversive and attracted the viewer in entirely new ways. There's a lot to see from the 70s and with the decade very much at the forefront right now in terms of trend, I'm starting to have a new found appreciation for some of the imagery.

The curators have made the most of the Embankment galleries and there's an overwhelming amount of work to see (or maybe I was just being a bit emotional having not left the house for a few days). It''s so fascinating to see some of the sketches and prep Bourdin had to do before creating such iconic photos. Imagine having to completely plan out a photo before you took it! It seems crazy in this digital age where most of us just wing it and see what happens. Some of the colour contrasts reminded me of the best case insta-filter scenario and the designer in me can already see colour palettes to inspire all sorts of wonderful collections. I want pretty skirts and dresses in rich burgundys and dreamy pinks now, godammit!

Guy Bourdin: Image Maker is at Somerset House until the 15th of March, definitely the perfect way to combat the January blues!