Inside Hedi Slimae's New Exhibition 'Sun Of Sound'

Black and white photography reaches new depths with Hedi Slimane's fifth solo exhibition at Almine Rech. Elegant style and noir drama unite for an air of rock-and-roll, coupled with classic glamour. For his first-ever exhibition in China, Slimane presents an incredible collection of portrait photographs, each un-retouched and delightfully gritty. How unusual in the age of Instagram.

Known for his ever-presence within fashion and art worlds alike, Hedi Slimane is a creative institution. Beginning his fame at Dior Homme and Yves Saint Laurent, Slimane now holds the Creative Director position at Celine. In 2002, Slimane impressed the entire industry by becoming the first menswear designer to earn the CFDA International Designer Award.

Named "Sun of Sound," the Celine designer's exhibit reverts to Slimane's photography roots for an eloquent grouping of images. As Slimane discovered his love for the camera at only eleven years old, it comes as no surprise that his artistic voice is largely driven by youth culture influences. Often, fashion designers who double-agent with photography tend to remain in the field of shooting clothing or supermodels. However, Slimane takes a different approach. Music.

Rising rockstars and alternative musicians dream of being captured by Slimane, whose wildly famous images are enough to skyrocket their careers. Dive bars and live music venues are frequented by the black and white favoring photographer, especially if they tend to feature young, fresh artists. Alex Needham describes the process as releasing "a secret to the wider world."

Enjoy some of the imagery from his previous collection "Sonic" below, and view the "Sun of Sound" exhibition in person at Almine Rech Shanghai from March 19-April 30, 2021.