Exhibit gives intimate view of rich and famous

Portraits of Hollywood stars, top fashion models and British royals taken from the unique viewpoint of Peruvian photographer Mario Testino are on view in Seoul as part of the photographer’s Asia tour, following openings in Beijing and Shanghai last year.

The exhibition reveals some private moments the photographer got a peek of or shared with some of the world’s most celebrated people. The 86 photos on exhibit are arranged in three sections featuring photographs of celebrities, fashion models and British royal portraits.

“I am happy to present my works to Korean audiences for the first time. I hope they draw viewers into my unique insight in photography,” the photographer said on a recent visit for the exhibition at Hangaram Museum at Seoul Arts Center.

The photos range from some familiar scenes frequently shown in the media such as the engagement of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, editorial fashion shoots featured in Vogue, Vanity Fair and other high fashion magazines, to photographer’s personal snapshots of top celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Moss, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Emma Watson and Josh Hartnett. 

The exhibition invites viewers to observe Testino’s view of familiar faces, showing personalities and characteristics people have never seen: Gwyneth Paltrow expressing sheer joy holding her freshly-won Oscar trophy, Josh Hartnett caught in bold mascara and smeared lipstick and Kate Moss snapped taking a break during a photo shoot. 

Lady Gaga gives a detached stare with bright pink lips, a white wig and an oversized hooded pink jacket.

As Testino is best known for his fashion photography, one section is devoted entirely to magazine shoots featured in top fashion magazines such as Vogue and Vanity Fair and advertisements by Burberry, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana.

The 2008 British Vogue shoot with Ukrainian-Canadian model Daria Werbowy traces his roots in Peru, featuring a flock of lama against the backdrop of a pristine mountain range in his home country.

The exhibition is on view until Nov. 30 at Hangaram Museum at Seoul Arts Center in Seocho-dong, Seoul. The opening hours are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. It closes on the last Monday of every month. Admission is 15,000 won for adults, 13,000 for teenagers and 10,000 won for children.

For more information, call (02) 790-3763, or visit www.mariotestino.co.kr.

By Lee Woo-young (wylee@heraldcorp.com)