Mazarine. Guy Bourdin: The Portraits.

(Paris): Studio des Acacias, 2017 First edition.  Quarto. 196 pages.  Scarce publication issued following an exhibition at Studio des Acacias, Paris, in April of 2016 that showcased both little-known early material, as well as some of his most mythic and enduring images.  The Portraits traces the influence of Surrealism in Guy Bourdin’s work. Influenced by his close relationship with the artist Man Ray, Guy Bourdin’s early portraiture displays the origins of the uniquely Surrealist visual language that would eventually become part of his signature style.  These early portraits are captured from his first pictorial layouts, such as ‘Chapeaux Choc’ – Vogue Paris and Artists’ portraits – Nouveau Femina. Both were published in February 1955 and present the clarity of is vision. This exhibition highlights Guy Bourdin’s artistic fascination with sharp graphic compositions, concepts, croppings and a narrative cinematic portraiture.  A near fine copy in red cloth with inset photographic plate.