- DAVID LACHAPELLE
'LORENZO IL MAGNIFICO' LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FORTEZZA DA BASSO, FLORENCE | 17 OCTOBER, 2023
LaChapelle is honored as the recipient of the 'Lorenzo il Magnifico' Lifetime Achievement Award at the "XIV Florence Biennale. International Exhibition of Contemporary Art and Design," for his unparalleled influence, imaginative artistry, and profound social messaging that has inspired artists worldwide. The prestigious award ceremony will take place at the Fortezza da Basso in Florence on October 17, 2023.
David LaChapelle, born in 1963, has redefined photography through an avant-garde perspective. Beginning as a painter, he evolved into a photographer, introducing a unique technique: hand-painting negatives to infuse his work with captivating colors. Arriving in New York at 17, LaChapelle’s undeniable talent captured the attention of no other than Andy Warhol, paving his way to Interview Magazine.
His artistry is characterized by a mastery of color and narratives that stretch the imagination.
Anticipating his influence, The New York Times projected in 1991 that he would follow in the footsteps of Mr. Avedon. Noteworthy anthologies like "LaChapelle Land" (1996) and "Heaven to Hell" (2006) have showcased his brilliance. Expanding his creative horizons, LaChapelle ventured into film, gaining global recognition with his 2005 feature "Rize."
LaChapelle’s lens has immortalized artists, celebrities, and athletes, transcending the confines of traditional portraiture. His impact reverberates across magazines and esteemed galleries like London’s National Portrait Gallery. With a remarkable fusion of commercial acumen and artistic genius, LaChapelle’s collaborations with renowned galleries cement his stature as a creative force. His imagery sparks contemplation, inspiration, and an entirely new dimension of visual storytelling.
JOSE JEULAND: Thank you for this interview, David; we first want to congratulate you for being awarded THE LORENZO IL MAGNIFICO LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD by the Florence Biennale.
Your work will also be featured in a large-scale exhibition at the upcoming XIV Florence Biennale (14-22 October 2023). What will you be exhibiting there?
DAVID LACHAPELLE: Thank you! Yes, It’s exciting, and I plan to show some never-before-seen work at the Florence Biennale. We're just in the process of choosing the frames and the sizes. We will exhibit 14 pieces from my new project, 'Stations of The Cross,' which has been in progress for over
