That’s Not My Age

I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with Juergen Teller’s work. Loved his warts and all style in the late 80s and 90s, when the grunge aesthetic introduced imperfect beauty and un-retouched photography to the fashion world. Teller’s snapshot style felt refreshing and new. But then I got a bit tired of his shock tactics and contrived images. I particularly loathed the Kristen McMenamy ‘Naked Pilates’ shoot for German magazine 032C, which was eventually pulled off the shelves for showing the model’s bum hole. Behold, the power of my Fashion Bin! But I’ve recently been discussing photography, a lot, during the day job. And talking about the importance of JT. So, on Saturday, when I was supposed to be doing my tax return, I found myself visiting the new Juergen Teller: Woo! exhibition at the ICA instead:

That’s Not A Juergen Teller Snapshot

Notice how, just like Vivienne Westwood, I’ve matched my hair to my surroundings. And you can breathe a sigh of relief because the other two pictures in the triptych, show Westwood full frontal, legs akimbo. And, yes, that matches too. The German photographer’s model/celebrity friends – including Kate Moss in a wheelbarrow – and a selection of ad campaigns are all here. I particularly liked the ICA’s Reading Room which has been plastered with Teller’s tear sheets.

The images of Bjork and son in Iceland, and Teller’s very own baby in the bath, are superb. Beautiful. There’s a real warmth and wit to them :

And then there’s the best photo of Victoria Beckham, ever.

And so I’ll say a big Woo! (not boo) to Juergen Teller.

Photos: Guardian, Forbes, Telegraph.