Intimate and Unseen: photographs by Jillian Edelstein

19 May - 19 August 2005

This is the first in an exciting new programme of exhibitions showcasing the work of a selection of the celebrated agency's premiere photographers. Curated by Emma Blau, this captivating exhibition features the insightful and engaging work of iconic portrait photographer Jillian Edelstein- and is the first time that a selection of her photography from throughout her career to date has been exhibited. A selection of prints will be available to purchase from Camera Press.

The exhibition features both colour and black and white portraits of key personalities from the world of film, television, theatre, music, art and politics: Damien Hurst and Jay Jopling, Michael Winner, Mia Farrow, Quentin Crisp, Stevie Wonder and Nelson Mandela are just some of the portraits featured. The majority of work on show has not been previously published or exhibited and reveals EdelsteinŐs huge talent for creating and capturing charismatic and evocative images.

" Edelstein's work offers a fascinating insight into the people she has photographed. She is a seminal photographer within the genre of portrait photography- the diversity of her subjects over the past two decades is amazing- from political leaders through to prima ballerinas, iconic artists and established actors. Her style of photography is often amusing, startling and always intimate and allows us a real understanding of her subjects. This quality to her work is outstanding, people really do seem to open up to her, to confide in her, to relax in front of her lens." (Emma Blau, curator) .

Edelsteinis photographic career in this country started in 1986 when she came over to work for the Sunday Times Magazine after leaving her native South Africa where she had been working as a photojournalist. Her photographs have been exhibited extensively worldwide and appeared in publications including The New York Times Magazine, The Sunday Times Magazine, Marie Claire, Vanity Fair and Harpers and Queen.

Image on right: Quentin Crisp, 1992, New York, © Camera Press/ Jillian Edelstein