Guy Bourdin

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Guy Bourdin (born December 7, 1928 in Paris, died March 29, 1991 in Paris) was one of the best known photographers of fashion and advertising of the second half of the 20th century.

He worked for Vogue magazine from 1955 onwards.

His work for Vogue , together with another Seventies famous fashion photographer, Helmut Newton defied the standards, ideas and theories about fashion photography in general.

Both used strong themes, including themes such as sex,death, violence and fear, to provoke a new way of looking at man in general.

During their working years for Vogue they were given unlimited artistic freedom.

In the last years, Guy Bourdin has been hailed as one of the greatest fashion photographers of all time and his son, Samuel Bourdin, released a book with the finest prints of his father's work, called "Exhibit A".

He has been an influence on many artists, and continues to be so until this very day.

Madonna's 2003 music video for "Hollywood" was greatly influenced by the photography of Bourdin, so much so that a lawsuit was brought on against her by Bourdin's son for copyright infringement.

Amongst others,Jean Baptiste Mondino, Nick Knight and David LaChappelle have admitted to be great admirers of his work.