Norval Foundation opens Norman Seeff: Homecoming exhibition a new exhibition dedicated to the works South-African born photographer Norman Seeff.
Seeff’s photographs are known to millions of people across the world from globally-recognised celebrity images taken over the course of his long career.
Born in 1939, Seeff did his schooling in Johannesburg, studied medicine, and served as a medical doctor in Soweto for three years, dealing primarily with clinical emergencies. In 1968, he immigrated to the United States to pursue his creative passions and artistic abilities. When relocating to New York, Seeff switched careers, working as a graphic designer at Columbia Records, under the talented direction of Bob Cato. There he created hundreds of record covers which led to his becoming an extremely successful ‘rock’ photographer and designer.
In 1971, Seeff joined United Artists as a creative director and relocated to Los Angeles where he continued to direct and design award-winning imagery for music albums. Four years later, in 1975, he opened his own Los Angeles-based studio as an independent photographer, both of stills and film, capturing his interactions with his sitters – musicians, writers, directors, politicians and entrepreneurs.
Seeff’s iconic images are characterised by his ability to engage directly with his subjects, very often superstars who have become household names. At the heart of his shoots lies his deep interest in human interaction and people’s creative abilities, revealing a vibrant intimacy beyond the usual constraints imposed by the lens. Alongside 35 photographic prints, Homecoming will feature a video work dedicated to his creative process. The video accompanying the exhibition affords viewers an opportunity to observe the synergy that Seeff establishes with his subjects, enabling them to present their true selves before his camera.
Through his innovative methodology, he has developed a body of content which spans the 40+ years of his career, exploring the roots of his creativity. The exhibition title refers to the figurative homecoming of Seeff’s work and creative process, as it is being shown for the first time in a contemporary South African museum.
Cher & Greg Allman
“I am truly honoured and thrilled to participate in this Norval Foundation Exhibit. It’s an absolute dream to share what I have learned in my 5 decade career working with over one thousand world renowned artists across the disciplines. I am excited to have this chance to reconnect with my South African roots and to communicate both with friends and the new generation of South Africans. The land of South Africa has a unique energy and will always be a part of the essence of who I am.” Shares the artist, Norman Seeff.
Norval Foundation has celebrated the careers of a number of remarkable photographers over the course of its six-year existence, including that of David Goldblatt, Zanele Muholi, and Berni Searle.
“We are delighted to take this opportunity to celebrate Norman Seeff’s work and to be able to exhibit iconic images of his that have shaped public consciousness over decades. It is a
pleasure to introduce his work to South Africans, and to welcome him home after so many years.” Norval Foundation’s senior curator, Karel Nel.
Joni Mitchell
Norman Seeff: Homecoming is curated by Karel Nel in conjunction with photographer Gavin Furlonger, the owner of Gallery F and the founder of the Photographic Archival and Preservation Association in South Africa (PAPA – SA). Since 2009, the association has been dedicated to the preservation of South African photographs. Gavin has been acquainted with Norman since before his move to the USA and has brought his personal knowledge of Seeff and the field into the expert curation of this exhibition.
Be sure to get to Norman Seeff’s Homecoming exhibition – an opportunity to meet with the stars in this extensive and glamourous exhibition. WELCOME HOME to Norman Seeff!
WHAT: Norman Seeff: Homecoming exhibition
WHERE: Norval Foundation – Gallery 1, 4 Steenberg Road, Tokai, Cape Town
WHEN: Exhibition opening 13 September 2024. Exhibition closing 05 February 2025 | Hours WEd to Mon 09:00 – 17:00, Sun 10:00 – 16:00
INFO: T 087 654 5900 | E info@norvalfoundation.org | VISIT | Instagram @norvalfoundation | Facebook NorvalFoundation | LinkedIn NorvalFoundation | See also Alexis Preller: Mythical Lexicon opens at Norval Foundation
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