Bergman struggled for recognition among art and photography institutions for most of his life, becoming widely known to the American public just last year, when he held his first three almost-simultaneous solo shows at the age of 65. While only recently hailed by many as one of 20th century’s most significant art photographers, he was nevertheless championed by Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Toni Morrison, who said in the foreword to his book, “Occasionally there arises an event or a moment that one knows immediately will forever mark a place in the history of artistic endeavour. Robert Bergman’s portraits represent such a moment, such an event.” Included in this picture gallery is a selection of extra images not seen in the magazine, with black and white work that constitutes the early part of his career as a photographer.

All images © Robert Bergman. Courtesy of the artist and Yossi Milo Gallery, New York