As one of the most prestigious and well-recognised photographic agencies in the world, Magnum Photos has been on hand to document the ebb and flow of world history since 1947. Founded in the aftermath of World War II by four now-legendary photographers – Robert Capa, Henri Cartier-Bresson, George Rodger, and David “Chim” Seymour – Magnum has become synonymous with haunting reportage images of warzones, conflicts, and street culture, as well as portraits of some of the most important figures and significant moments of the last eight decades.
A new book brings together, for the first time ever, over 200 portraits of some of the most prominent artists of the 20th and 21st centuries taken by the photographers from the Magnum collective. Featuring, among countless others, Keith Haring shot by Micha Bar-Am, Jeff Koons by Thomas Hoepker, Frida Kahlo by Werner Bischof, Tracey Emin by Martin Parr, Marina Abramović by Alex Majoli, Matisse and Picasso by Robert Capa, and Warhol and de Kooning by Thomas Hoepker, Magnum Artists also includes text by Simon Bainbridge, who reveals the anecdotes and stories behind each image. Often captured in their homes or studios, it allows us a rare insight into the private worlds, creative practices, and idiosyncratic habits of these iconic artists.
Magnum Artists: Great Photographers Meet Great Artists is published by Laurence King and is available now