kensington bliss: Iconic Photography for Interiors: Slim Aarons

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Iconic Photography for Interiors: Slim Aarons

With snow falling and subzero temps, I can't help but daydream about a Slim Aarons beach scene (France, Italy, or Spain will do)...I have been admiring the photography of the legendary Slim Aarons over the last few years (often featured on One Kings Lane). He is a master of capturing beautiful composition, color, and whimsical vintage scenes of "attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places." Although the subjects and settings are often glamorous, the scenes are natural and unstaged to give an authentic image of the particular place and time.

According to 1st Dibs, Slim Aarons (1916-2006) was "born and raised in New York City and New Jersey and later New Hampshire. He took up photography as a teenager. In his early 20's, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was later appointed official photographer at the United States Military Academy at West Point. During World War II he served as an army combat photographer for Yank Magazine in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. After the war he became a freelance photojournalist, first based in Hollywood, then Rome, then New York. His photographs appeared in many magazines, including Life, Holiday, Town & Country, Look, Venture, and Travel & Leisure. His first book A Wonderful Time (1974) is considered a classic."

There is an interesting article with more details about Slim Aarons' life in Habitually Chic Blog by Heather Clawson from an interview she did with Slim Aarons' daughter, Mary Aarons. (link below)

http://habituallychic.luxury/2007/08/slim-aarons-wonderful-life/

In another interesting New York Times article, "A Classic Moment by the Pool" Steven Kurtz reports that they recently re-created the Slim Aarons' iconic scene, Poolside Gossip. According to Kurtz, "The organizers of 2015 Palm Springs Modernism Week arranged for the two women in the photo to return to the Kaufmann House: Nelda Linsk, who owned the home when the photo was taken, and Helen Kaptur, who was married for many years to the midcentury architect Hugh Kaptur." The article features an interview with Nelda Linsk describing the photo shoot as "so casual, a fun day"(link to article below)

Nelda Linsk (in red) and Helen Kaptur (in yellow) return to the Kaufmann House recently for the 45th anniversary of the photograph "Poolside Gossip"

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/19/garden/recreating-slim-aarons-iconic-photo-poolside-gossip.html?_r=0

I have been admiring his work in various interior design settings. From kitchens to living rooms to bathrooms (even laundry rooms!) his colorful, retro images breathe life into a room and lend a modern element to a space. I particularly love the large scale framed photos, say 30" x 40", as they provide a bright cheerful statement, with a vintage vibe, for any room.