The Provocative Genius: Helmut Newton Exhibition in Monaco

Before influencers, before even dare I say, Madonna. Helmut Newton was pushing boundaries with his photographic masterpieces that seemed to stir a realm of emotions in his audience.

And now, you can see a display of almost 300 of his photographs that were taken on the Cote d’Azur and Monaco that have been brought together at the New National Museum of Monaco (Villa Sauber).

The varied display of his works is on exhibition until November 13, 2022, and it all showcases 40 years of his work throughout the region.

Love him or hate him, his work has been a constant inspiration not only to those in the general public but to many up-and-coming photographers and contemporaries. 

Known worldwide as one of the best fashion photographers around, his work was featured heavily in the pages of Vogue, Paris Match, and Elle to name a few, and for many advertising campaigns with the big fashion design houses.

Helmut Newton could easily turn a model into a supermodel practically overnight from just one fashion photo shoot by using his capabilities to see past the every day and bring out the best in a person, whether clothed or nude, and yet always with a chic sense of style and strength.

And of course, having the surrounding background of the French Riviera and Principality of Monaco certainly didn’t hurt either.

With or without trying, pushing the limits seemed to be second nature to him and it certainly shows in this exhibition of his work at Villa Sauber in Monaco. 

The French Riviera was certainly a great source of inspiration for the Australian photographer who spent his childhood in Nazi Germany. And he photographed in many locations from Bordighera to Ramatuelle, from the 1960s until his death in the early 2000s. 

Some of the photos in this particular exhibition are globally famous and others have rarely been presented and made available to the public with many coming from private collectors in Monaco.

Often labeled a womanizer, Helmut Newton actually had a very close relationship with his wife June. It was with her that he moved to Monaco in 1981, and he lived there until his death in 2004. 

This period is undoubtedly one of the best of his career. Often he would use as background the luxury hotels in Monte-Carlo as well as the construction sites of the Principality for his work.

Helmut also took many pictures of the princely family. On the walls of the Villa Sauber, visitors will discover a portrait of Princess Caroline at the Monte-Carlo Beach pool. 

A highlight of this show: the public discovers the interior of Helmut Newton's Monegasque apartment, thanks to a very realistic reproduction, in order to penetrate the mystery of the character a little more.

Newton, Riviera: this new exhibit is at the Villa Sauber, from June 17, 2022 to November 13, 2022 at 17, avenue Princesse Grace in Monaco.

Photos by Helmut Newton