The Jewish Museum of Australia, in partnership with the Helmut Newton Foundation, and in collaboration with PHOTO 2022 International Festival of Photography, presents HELMUT NEWTON: In Focus, a definitive exploration of the work and life of visionary German-born photographer, Helmut Newton (1920—2004).

Together with his most iconic works from the Helmut Newton Foundation and a trove of personal archives and artefacts, HELMUT NEWTON: In Focus illuminates the personal history and offers the most complete picture of the ground-breaking provocateur.

Delving into Newton’s early life and illustrious career, the exhibition shines a light on his Jewish roots and early life in Berlin, his flight from Germany at the outbreak of WWII and his eventual internment at Tatura in regional Victoria as an enemy alien. It also explores his post-war life working and creating in Melbourne and shares details of his relationship with Australian-born acclaimed actress, artist and photographer June Newton, who worked under the pseudonym Alice Springs.

Polarising, surprising, loved and loathed, Newton’s photographs would push boundaries and challenge norms surrounding the depiction of women and feminine power – not only in fashion but in photography, visual art, film and culture, more broadly. Across his decades-long career, Newton photographed names including Grace Jones, Claudia Schiffer, Isabella Rossellini, Charlotte Rampling, and even Margaret Thatcher, with his work appearing in leading international fashion magazines from Vanity Fair to Vogue, including more than 60 covers for Vogue Italia alone.

Senior Curator and Collections Manager, Eleni Papavasileiou: ‘We are so excited to be bringing HELMUT: In Focus, to the Jewish Museum of Australia. Helmut Newton was unstoppable, hardworking and determined to succeed. His fantasy and voyeuristic worlds were the work of a highly driven and resilient man who left an incredible artistic legacy. He teased, provoked, shocked and raised uncomfortable questions; but where did it all stem from?’

Join us as we explore the fascinating artistry and history of one of the worlds iconic pioneers of photography.

Image: Helmut Newton, Elsa Peretti, New York, 1975, Copyright Helmut Newton Estate, Courtesy Helmut Newton Foundation