Hermès had approached us before, so they were familiar with the work. It is whimsical and sophisticated, just like his work. I know he would be honored to participate in the Hermès campaign. Typically, companies with highly refined sensibilities sought him out, as they felt a kinship with his work. Rodney was fine with his work being used commercially. He wouldn't push the camera's shutter if it wasn't an image he wanted posterity to judge him by. He'd say his allegiance was to the image, not to the client. He was always making his own pictures regardless of whether it was a commission or self-generated. In the recent Webinar we hosted, " Is Fashion Photography Art," Dennis Freedman, the founding creative director of W Magazine, felt that work made on assignment versus self-directed work was different. In general, I think he'd be pleased that the line between his art being used commercially and his art shown in museums has blurred. Leslie Smolan: It is interesting that they both happened at the same time. Risa Sarachan: How do you think he would feel about the Hermès collaboration and about the honor of his work being acquired by the Getty? Rodney Smith's "Saori on Sea Plane Wing," Dominican Republic, 2019 Courtesy of Getty Archival/Rodney Smith Archives His unique combination of surrealism, style and wit, combined with the highest level of technique, makes it fitting that his work will now be seen alongside other photographic greats like Irving Penn, Edward Weston, and his mentor, W. He knew how hard it was to create something truly great, something that would stand the test of time. Rodney studied theology and photography at Yale because he wanted to show just the opposite, the strength of humanity, its soul and its humor. Historically, art museums embraced street photography, portraiture, landscapes and abstraction, which showed the darker side of life. He was very serious about his work, and was disappointed because it was often dismissed as being too beautiful. His parents were absent and unsupportive during his early childhood, and this lack of acknowledgment haunted him for most of his life. It's also bittersweet because Rodney was always striving to be seen. "Everything that he has experienced as a human being is kind of reversed and poured into his work.” "These are authentic extrapolations of Rodney's emotions and thoughts and history," said Paul Martineau, Curator of Photographs as the J. And that's because his vision comes from inside. No one can copy him, although many have tried. Rodney is one of the rarest and unusual artists. It's an exciting moment because he deserves this recognition. Paul Getty Museum is the first step in getting the rest of the world to be inspired by his work. Having ten of Rodney Smith's prints acquired by the J. The photographs excited me and inspired me, and they still do. His images were remarkable, and unlike any other photographer I'd ever worked with.
He was quite an interesting character who had a huge impact on everyone he met. When I met Rodney in the late 1980s, I was immediately struck by his enormous talent.
Leslie Smolan: It's thrilling and bittersweet at the same time. Risa Sarachan: How does it feel seeing Rodney's work continue to thrive after his passing? Rodney Smith's "Self-Portrait with Leslie," Sienna, Italy, 1990 Courtesy of Getty Acquisition Images/Rodney Smith Archives
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