Ellen Graham has long stood out in the world of portrait photography, distinguishing herself through a unique lens that captures the personal moments and intimate details of her subjects. Over six decades, Graham’s camera has chronicled the lives of notable figures, from the peaks of their fame to the quiet moments in between, showcasing a breadth of human experience rarely seen in the public eye. Her work is characterized by a remarkable ability to disarm her subjects, imbuing her photographs with a sense of immediacy, humor, and intimacy. This distinctive style has not only set her apart from her contemporaries but also deeply influenced the broader genre of portraiture.
Graham’s contributions to the field extend beyond her photographic legacy. Her collaborations with major U.S. magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar, People, W Magazine, Time, and Newsweek have played a pivotal role in shaping her career, allowing her unique vision to reach a wide audience. Through her lens, viewers have gained personal insights into the lives of icons such as Sharon Tate, Marissa Berenson, Cher, David Bowie, and many others, bridging a connection that transcends the typical boundaries of celebrity and spectator.
Beyond the glittering world of celebrities, Graham’s street photography offers glimpses into the everyday moments of life in cities around the globe, from New York and Paris to Havana and Beverly Hills. These scenes reflect her diverse experiences and encounters, further showcasing her versatile talent in capturing both the grandeur and the subtlety of the world around us.
In recognition of her significant contributions to photography and her unique artistic vision, the Norton Museum of Art is thrilled to announce the upcoming exhibition “Ellen Graham: Unscripted,” which will be on view from March 2 to June 16, 2024. The exhibition, beginning with a private opening event on February 29, 2024, aims to provide insight into Graham’s prolific career by exploring her approach to portraiture and the successes and challenges she has faced along the way.
“Ellen Graham: Unscripted” will feature a collection of Graham’s works gifted to the Norton in 2021, complemented by selections on loan from the Ellen Graham Archive. This includes both her celebrated photographs and various photographic ephemera, offering a comprehensive look at her career. The exhibition, curated to reflect on Graham’s diverse experiences in both private and public spaces, will engage and delight museum visitors, underscoring the lasting impact of her work.
Photo Courtesy: Ellen Graham/Gloria Swanson, Hollywood, CA, 1974 © Ellen Graham
Ellen Graham’s career is a testament to the transformative power of photography. Speaking about her craft, Graham noted, “Photography changed my life. My love of photography inspired me to help the Norton with its mission to promote photography to others.” Her dedication is evident in her efforts to bring the art of photography closer to the public, reinforcing the museum’s commitment to this medium.
Through “Ellen Graham: Unscripted,” the Norton Museum of Art celebrates the enduring legacy of a photographer who has dedicated her life to capturing the essence of the unscripted, inviting visitors to explore the depth and breadth of human experience through her lens.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
