Turn the corner to Fragile Beauty and a curved, soft pink wall greets you. A single, striking black and white image hangs prominently, its starkness a counterpoint. The image is Richard Avedon’s Ronald Fischer, Bee Keeper, 1981, depicting a shirtless man, face-on, covered in a swarm of bees. This portal is your first clue that Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection is more than an exhibition; it’s an invitation into a personal space, existing somewhere between pain and pleasure.
Within the galleries, the frames holding the 300 strong photography collection are a charming mismatch, ranging from ornate gold to simple black wood. This visual disharmony reinforces the idea that this isn’t just a curated collection – it’s a window into Elton John and David Furnish’s personal taste, a glimpse of the art they admire and choose to surround themselves with in their home.
Moving through the exhibition, each room offers a unique thematic exploration of photography. One moment you’re immersed in the world of ‘Fashion’, surrounded by iconic shots of models adorned in haute couture. Next, you’re face-to-face with legendary figures in ‘Stars of Screen, Stage and Studio’, captivated by portraits of Bob Dylan, Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley.
The exhibition’s true strength lies in its unexpected juxtapositions between spaces. From the sensuality of ‘Desire’ to the grit of ‘Reportage’, Fragile Beauty showcases the vast possibilities of photography. In ‘Reportage’ photojournalism takes centre stage, documenting pivotal moments in history. Viewers are confronted by the chilling image of Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination and Ai Weiwei’s impactful photographs of protestors. Even recent pivotal events like Harvey Weinstein’s trial and the Capitol riots find their place in this visual narrative, serving as a reminder of photography’s power to capture and record history.
Adding to the exhibition’s unique ambience is its unconventional design. The walls have large cut-out sections that add a sense of fragility. This visual metaphor speaks to the exhibition’s title – the beauty of photography lies in its ability to capture a moment in time, forever preserving something that is inherently fleeting.
Rounding off the exhibition, a section titled ‘Collecting Now’ highlights recent acquisitions to Sir Elton John and David Furnish’s collection, offering a glimpse into their ongoing journey as avid art enthusiasts. This space, much like the rest of the exhibition, is a testament to the couple’s deep appreciation for musical, cultural and creative heritage.
Featured: Installation image of ‘Fragile Beauty’ at V&A South Kensington © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Review by Amy Melling
Read Amy’s latest Review: Bahamian Artist Tavares Strachan’s ‘There Is Light Somewhere’ Highlights Unsung Cultural Pioneers (abundantart.net)
‘Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection’ is showing at V&A South Kensington until 5th January 2025. More information and tickets can be found here.
