This iconic photographer of French origin presents at the Staley-Wise Gallery in New York a fragment of his sixty-year career spanning fashion, cinema and nature.
Denis Piel is one of those photographers who quickly attracted the attention of one of the great art directors of the Vogue American photographer Alexander Liberman was offered an exclusive contract by Condé Nast in the late 1970s. This agreement was reserved for a select few, such as Irving Penn and Richard Avedon. The exhibition at the Staley-Wise Gallery in New York thus offers a panoramic view of the work of this 81-year-old photography luminary who has left his mark on the discipline with his cinematic, sensual, and human style.
Eclectic vision
After leaving his native France for Australia at the end of World War II, Denis Piel began his career in the 1960s in Brisbane, where he opened his own freelance photography studio, and in Melbourne. He then traveled to Europe, and later to New York, beginning his rapid rise to prominence alongside Vogue, GQ et Vanity Fair.
In his depiction of his models, whom he often photographs lying down or lost in thought, he draws inspiration from the seventh art, particularly from François Truffaut and Stanley Kubrick. "His images departed sensationally from the posed models of his predecessors. His consistently sensual photographs tell a story that must be intuited, as several interpretations are possible." explains the New York gallery.
Her bold sets and vision of the active, dynamic, beautiful, and independent woman immediately captivated the industry. Beauty and light are ever-present in the photographer's lens, who plays with imperfections to preserve the humanity in the faces. The resulting images are always simple and refined, natural and authentic.
From fashion to naturalism
It was after the attacks of September 11, 2001, that he returned to his country of origin and acquired the Renaissance-style Château de Padiès in Lempaut, in the south of France. During this period, he traveled extensively and continued to develop his innovative style, which championed naturalism.
The Staley-Wise Gallery thus reveals a completely different universe by presenting its series Padièscapes (colourful and abstract works that celebrate nature and flowers) and Down to Earth (human landscapes). All are inspired by her garden and her sustainable organic farm, reflecting her deep interest in the environment and humanity.
Denis Piel constantly redefines the boundaries of fashion and artistic imagery. His portfolio includes celebrity portraits, advertising films for Donna Karan, and a documentary. Love is Blind centered on a blind couple, and several monographs, of Moments (2012) ine the city of Rosemary (2025). Today, a majority of his works are part of the permanent collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum and private collections around the world.
“Denis Piel – Exposed”
Staley-Wise Gallery
100 Crosby Street, Suite 305, New York (USA)
Until April 26, 2025
Photo credits © (Reproduce captions and credits in the PDF)
