Following the overwhelming success of Helmut Newton SUMO, launched in 1999, the Baby SUMO is here to continue the legacy of Newton. Impeccably paying homage to the most controversial, yet glamorous photographer of the 1900s, this art installation captures more than 400 breathtaking images. The photographs are reproduced and printed to the latest standards and offers all the scope of a private exhibition of photographs.
Presented on an expertly designed bookstand, created by French architect Philippe Starck, the Baby SUMO stands on a glorious pedestal, as it should be. TASCHEN have issued this incredible new edition on Helmut Newton’s 100th birthday, which is published as a limited edition of 10,000 copies and accompanied by a detailed booklet documenting the intricate and admirable making of this major publishing event. The legend lives on in this incredible installation, a necessity for Helmut Newton admirers, followers, collectors or anyone who wants to own a piece of art history.
Helmut Newton became regarded as one of the world’s leading photographers as his five-decade long career saw controversy for his provocative image making and genuine prolific visionary. Newton first achieved international fame in the 1970s as he began to work for French Vogue and continuously pushed the boundaries of the fashion industry with his risqué photography. The streets became his studio as he captured bold lighting, and striking compositions around the world.
Some of his most famous exhibitions include White Women (1976), Sleepless Nights (1978), Big Nudes (1978), World Without Men (1984) as he celebrated the femininity of the world. His major exhibition was the SUMO book of 1999, a bold and unprecedented publishing venture.
Released by TASCHEN, the SUMO encapsulated a spectacular compendium of images, reproduced to state-of-the-art origination and printing standards, which emerged from an open, exploratory dialogue between photographer and publisher. The 464 page SUMO broke records for its wight, size, dimensions and inevitably, its resale price. The legendary book was sold out soon after the release and its value rapidly multiplied. The installation can now be found in a magnitude of unrivalled collections around the world, including New York’s Museum of Modern Art. The SUMO IS awe-inspiring, with a weight of around 35 kilos, its unusual concept and its flawless technical production, the book set new standards to book publication and explored art monograph genre to an entirely new level. Legendary SUMO copy number one, autographed by over 100 of the book’s featured celebrities, also broke the record for the most expensive book of the 20th century, selling at auction in Berlin on April 6, 2000 for 620,000 German Marks (about €317,000 euros).
Today marks the release of the exceptional new edition of the SUMO, Helmut Newton Baby SUMO. Slightly smaller in size, but no less glamorous, the Baby SUMO has been edited by June Newton who married the photographer in 1948 and became a photographer herself in 1970. Her work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and publications, including Vanity Fair, Interview, Elle, and Vogue with famous subjects from Yves Saint Laurent to Roy Lichtenstein.
This is an exciting, major publication and not to be missed. The Artmarket Gallery has access to this incredible book so make sure to contact the gallery today to secure your piece of art history. Priced at £1000, the book stands at 35.8 x 50 cm, 9.80 kg (21.56 lb), includes 464 pages, with book stand and pedestal designed by Philippe Starck. Secure your legendary Helmut Newton, Baby SUMO, encapsulating upmost luxury and homage to the worlds most influential photographer.