Heads up, photography fans! Key images from the work of Rankin (full name John Rankin Waddell) will be shown in a major retrospective exhibition in Germany this fall. Called “Rankin-Show Off,” this is Rankin’s first comprehensive museum exhibit and his first show in Germany. It will be held at the NRW-Forum in Düsseldorf, September 15, 2012—January 13, 2013.
The exhibit is a journey through Rankin’s life as a photographer and displays the diversity of his style. The images are part of contemporary iconography, and are a mix of his personal interests and commercial campaigns, from Nike to Women’s Aid.
Rankin first came to prominence when he co-founded the style bible Dazed & Confused with Jefferson Hack. One of the most important magazines of the 1990s, it established its stylists in the fashion elite, gave some of today’s top designers their first break, and nurtured the budding careers of a generation of creative photographers. Rankin quickly became a formidable force in photography, shooting Britpop bands, including Pulp and Blur, and darlings of pop such as Kylie Minogue and Madonna. Covers for German Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Arena, and GQ rapidly followed. His body of work since the early 1990s includes portraits of politicians, musicians, artists and models. However, Rankin also continued to take on projects that featured ordinary people, often questioning established notions of beauty and causing controversy and igniting debates along the way.
Good to know: Düsseldorf’s tourism office is offering hotel and city specials for many of the city’s events like the Rankin exhibit through 2013. Packages can be booked from the tourism office’s website. All include breakfast, a Düsseldorf Welcome Card (free public transportation within city limits plus 30 free or reduced admissions to city attractions), and a city information package.
For more information on the Rankin exhibit, visit www.nrw-forum.de.