Shana Nys Dambrot
The art of celebrity photography — especially rock and movie star portraiture — is finding balance. On the one hand, you’ve got fascinating personalities to work with and be inspired by: creative, adventurous people who might be game for anything. On the other, you’re seeking to capture unique, inventive images of some of the world’s most photographed and familiar faces. It’s a negotiation between individual artistry and editorial context, boundary-pushing and respect for the brand. The best celebrity photographers in the world are the ones who consistently turn it out on all those levels, without compromise.
One such talent is the inimitable Scott Lipps, whose storied and multifaceted career behind the camera has seen his work splashed across the pages and screens of Flaunt, Spanish and Italian Vogue, Vs. Magazine, Citizens of Humanity and more. Yet somehow, last night’s one-night-only popup exhibition at the Sunset Tower Penthouses was his first show of prints from his eclectic personal and professional portfolios.
“Rock's Not Dead!” was presented by Diesel and featured photos of Anthony Kiedis, Brandon Boyd, The Kills, The Struts, Keanu Reeves, Cassie, Wild Belle and, perhaps most notably, Courtney Love.
Actually Lipps is currently the drummer in Love's new band. It’s a long story. But in fact it was precisely his early career as a rock drummer (as a teenager in the ’80s, he was a member of Black Cherry) that led to what became Lipps’ exceptional career as a photographer.
Although last night’s event was invite-only, prints from the collection remain on sale at the artist’s website, with all proceeds being donated to a pair of charities close to Lipps’ heart. Adopt the Arts is a nonprofit that funds art and music programs in public schools, and Animals Asia works to promote compassion and respect for all our planet’s animals.
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