NGV Artbeat & VOGUE Living - Guy Bourdin Party

It is said that Guy Bourdin learned from the Surrealists who inspired him, that 'the bizarre fascinates us'. However, in the case of Bourdin's practice, the bizarre more than fascinates, it tantalises and allures...

Of the 200 curious voyeurs who attended the NGV Artbeat and Vogue Living event - which focused on the Guy Bourdin exhibition - at St Kilda Road's NGV International, the wicked peeped, giving into curiosity, to discover Bourdin's world of stretched spandex, beauty queens and compelling visions, punctuated by colour and drama.

The evening, the first Wednesday late night opening of NGV International, featured Helen Redmond, Melbourne editor of Vogue Living, speaking on the significance of Guy Bourdin's contribution to the history of Vogue Magazine. Tony Ellwood, Deputy Director, NGV International, enlightened the crowd about Guy Bourdin's shocking and titillating photography before the migration to the exhibition space to enjoy the free Members viewing.

This show brings to life a rich career of exhilarating fashion photography, spanning the 1950's to the late 1980's. Though fashion illustration was the primary purpose of Guy Bourdin's photographs, it is not overtly the subject. The clothes and accessories seem merely incidental to the drama and allure, which captures the eye. That said, the exhibition is a triumphant delight to those with any fashionable or glamorous inclinations.

Ingrid Vickery

See the photos