This autumn, the MOP Foundation in A Coruña is set to host one of the most anticipated art exhibitions of the year: "Irving Penn: Centennial" . Opening its doors on November 23, 2024, and running until May 1, 2025, this comprehensive retrospective celebrates the legacy of one of the 20th century’s most iconic photographers, Irving Penn. Curated by The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York , the exhibition brings together a collection of 175 stunning photographs, offering a deep dive into Penn's prolific career.
A Journey Through Penn's Iconic Work "Irving Penn: Centennial" showcases an impressive array of subjects, from cultural icons to ordinary people. The exhibition features Penn’s famous portraits of Hollywood stars like Marlene Dietrich and Audrey Hepburn, as well as renowned fashion designers such as Gianni Versace and Yves Saint Laurent . But the exhibition also highlights Penn’s commitment to capturing the essence of everyday life, with equally striking images of Cuzco residents, street vendors, and tradesmen.
In addition to these compelling portraits, the exhibition explores Penn’s fascination with the ephemeral, beautifully illustrated through his still-life compositions. These images, focused on seemingly mundane objects such as flowers, street signs, and trash, reflect his ability to elevate the ordinary into something extraordinary. Through his meticulous compositions and keen eye for detail, Penn transformed the art of photography long before it was widely recognized as a legitimate art form.
A Tribute to Simplicity and Beauty Marta Ortega Pérez, president of the MOP Foundation, highlights the significance of Penn’s work: “In Penn’s hands, the everyday becomes extraordinary, revealing the profound beauty in simplicity. His photographs don’t just capture moments; they capture the very essence of his subjects, inviting us to see the world differently". This exhibition marks the fourth in a series of international shows hosted by the MOP Foundation, reaffirming its mission to present the finest in fashion photography.
With Irving Penn: Centennial, the foundation continues to celebrate photography’s power to transcend time and space, offering a glimpse into Penn’s ability to combine art, vision, and craftsmanship. An Exclusive Cultural Experience in A Coruña One of the highlights of this exhibition is that, for the first time, the catalogue will be available in Spanish, making Penn’s work more accessible to a broader audience. Visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in an experience that blends luxury and culture , offering a rare chance to witness the evolution of one of photography’s most influential figures.
The exhibition offers something for everyone, whether you’re a long-time admirer of Penn’s work or new to his photography. It is a celebration of both the art of portraiture and Penn’s lasting impact on fashion and culture. His ability to capture both high-profile individuals and ordinary people with the same sensitivity and depth is a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of photography.
Key Exhibition Details Exhibition Name: Irving Penn: Centennial Dates: November 23, 2024 – May 1, 2025 Location: The MOP Foundation, A Coruña, Spain Highlight: catalogue available in Spanish for the first time @mundiario La autora, OLIVIA BLISS, colaboradora de MUNDIARIO, es experta en cuidado corporal y belleza natural. Comparte consejos sobre tratamientos naturales para la piel, rutinas de spa en casa y belleza sostenible, inspirando un enfoque consciente y respetuoso con el medio ambiente. @mundiario.
