These gritty portraits of ordinary working Americans by fashion legend Richard Avedon were revolutionary in 1985 – they’re still as masterful today

Richard Avedon, a renowned photographer, created striking portraits of everyday Americans in 1985 that continue to be exceptional today. His influence on portrait photography is undeniable, as seen in the work of other photographers like Chris Floyd, Rankin, and Harry Borden. Avedon's signature style features black & white images with high-key lighting, plain white backgrounds, and printed with the edges of a medium-format negative acting as a border.

This minimalistic approach often mimicked, it serves as the foundation for many portrait photographers' techniques.

Avedon's key to success lies in the perfect balance between aesthetic and subject. He could rely on his subjects' strength, using minimal means to communicate their character effectively. One notable example is Marilyn Monroe, photographed in his studio in May 1957. Initially, Monroe danced, sang, and flirted, embodying the 'character' of her iconic role.

Yet, when the energy dwindled and the night progressed, she sat quietly, revealing a deep solitude that Avedon captured with his camera. This look, often interpreted as one of vacancy, actually hints at a profound interiority, a pool of thought beneath the surface.

His "In the American West" series, a masterpiece currently displayed in Madrid, showcases the ordinary working-class Americans he photographed. Commissioned in 1985, this series marked a significant departure from his portraits of fashion models and celebrities. Avedon traveled to 21 US states, conducting over 1000 sittings, resulting in 126 editioned images. The exhibit features many of these images, highlighting the extraordinary beauty and depth of Avedon's work.