Annie Leibovitz 'Women' Review

As the old saying goes “if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” I think these are pretty good words to have in mind sometimes and it is these words I will live by when I talk about exhibitions I have been to. Simply put, I won’t tell you about Exhibitions that weren’t very good. That said, of course this is only my opinion and I’m no expert, but as I am sure you are aware the masses who visit these exhibitions are not all experts.

So why listen to me? I’d hope its because you like my wit, (we all like to be liked) and that you think what I have to say might interest you. Duh.

London is great. It is full of creativity happening around every nook and cranny and it’s crying out to be explored. As a photographer myself going to exhibits is not just part of the job, it’s the perfect source for soaking up inspiration. I’ve been to a few and I’ll go to a few more and then I will write about them. Maybe you’ll read them and maybe you’ll visit. Let me know if you do: @carolannerose.

The first exhibition I am going to write about is the ANNIE LEIBOVITZ showcase of her collection called ‘Women’. It’s finished now so you’re shot out of luck if you were hoping to go to it in London. If you’ve got the cash you can always visit it in the states or Japan or whatever, but the London one is finished.

Deciding to host her work in the Wapping hydraulics power station was an interesting choice. Leibovitz is a name that most will know, she’s photographed all the big wigs about, she’d have the pick of the draw with any gallery chomping at the bit to show her work. Alas she went for an East London joint with a warehouse feel. Lofty ceilings, exposed brick and metal work with bright windows.

In the main room there were essentially four walls, three were screens and the last was a board with prints pinned in a scrapbook feel. The screens on the three walls each had their own slideshow that played except for the one that had a static portrait of the Queen (of England, not Beyoncé). The portraits as the title suggests were all of Women, famous, family and friends. Leibovitz made a point of choosing photos that emit a feeling of pride and power without loosing the feminine quality. Portraits of Adele, Meryl Streep, Kaitlyn Jenner and Taylor Swift were all on show.

Through a door to the right you found a reading room. Soft candle like lighting, plump armchairs and a long wooden table with piles of books on it. Leibovitz provided a room of books on not only her work but also of other photographers that she felt were right. It was an interesting idea and it felt oddly cosy in there, like your grandfathers study. Musty yet comforting. The only fault was that whilst enjoying this room, flicking through the books, they were not for sale, nor could you buy any from the exhibition.

I couldn’t help but take a few sneaky shots on my iphone.

Next week I will be giving a write up on the HIRO exhibition at Hamiltons Gallery, London. If you have any exhibitions that you think would be particularly interesting, let me know via the contact form or tweet me on @carolannerose.

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