William Eggleston Portraits

Overview

The American suburbs are coming to the NGV thanks to a new survey of the work of acclaimed photographer William Eggleston. Known for his pioneering use of colour, the septuagenarian is widely regarded as one of the most important photographers of the 20th century – and now Melburnians will get the chance to discover why.

On loan from the National Portrait Gallery in London, the exhibition is the first comprehensive museum exhibition devoted solely to Eggleston's portraits. The works on display capture "family, friends, casual acquaintances and strangers in a series of eloquent, poetic character studies" and showcase the artist's preoccupation with life in the southern parts of the United States.

This Australian exclusive show will run from March 17 until June 18 as part of the NGV Festival of Photography.

Image: Untitled (1965-8), William Eggleston, dye-transfer print, printed 2004, Wilson Centre for Photography© Eggleston Artistic Trust.