Rankin’s Cheeky: An Exhibition of Erotica by Rankin at Annroy Gallery

LONDON.- Rankin’s Cheeky brings together selected erotica by Rankin. Taken from his recently published book of the same title, which includes forewords by Heidi Klum and Hugh Hefner, the photographs will be exhibited at Annroy Gallery from 11th March – 11th April. Rankin’s erotic studies combine outstanding female beauty with an exploration of human sexuality, whilst maintaining the skilful composition and unconventional aesthetic for which he is known.

From beautiful nudes and mischievous lingerie shots including those of Kate Moss, Lily Cole and Helena Christensen, to works with more explicit undertones, Rankin’s Cheeky is a celebration of all that is sensual in the female form and of photography as a medium of sexual expression.

Tuuli. © Rankin's Cheeky, published by teNeues, www.teneues.com, Photo © 2009 Rankin

“Any time Rankin takes a picture he knows what he wants, and there is really no chance of being anyone but who you are, even if you try. You can trust him. I trust him.” Kate Moss

“I appreciate images of beautiful, strong, sexy girls who feel comfortable in their own skin, who are clearly proud of who they are and who have ownership of their being naked and gorgeous.” Heidi Klum, from her foreword to Rankin’s Cheeky

Rankin’s Cheeky will launch what is to be an exciting year at Annroy Gallery, Rankin’s recently launched exhibition space in Kentish Town, with a full programme of new projects and work from the Rankin studio.

Synonymous with dynamic and intimate portraiture, the photographer Rankin has shot everyone from royalty to refugees. His powerful images are part of contemporary iconography, and mix a cross section of his own personal interests with commercial campaigns, from Nike to Women’s Aid. His work is regularly exhibited in galleries around the world from Sao Paolo to Moscow, London to LA.

Rankin first came to prominence when he co-founded style bible Dazed & Confused with Jefferson Hack. One of the most important magazines of the 90’s, it established its stylists in the fashion elite, broke some of today’s top designers and nurtured the budding careers of a generation of creative photographers.

Earning a reputation for creative portraiture and a talent for capturing the character and spirit of his subjects, Rankin quickly became a formidable force in photography, shooting Brit-pop bands including Pulp and Blur and darlings of pop such as Kylie and Madonna. Rankin’s career continued to blossom and covers for German Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Arena and GQ quickly followed.

His body of work includes some of the most influential politicians, popular musicians, revered artists and celebrated models since the early 90’s. However, Rankin also continued to take on projects that featured ordinary people, often questioning established notions of beauty and causing controversy and igniting debates along the way.

Rankin is affiliated with a number of charities and has created hardhitting campaigns for Women’s Aid and Oxfam to name but a few. An exhibition of Rankin’s most recent photographic project with refuges in the Congo runs until 11th April 2010 on the South Bank in London, which will help raise money and awareness for Oxfam’s projects in the Congo.

A number of books of Rankin’s work have been published, including a retrospective of his work, Visually Hungry, a collection of his most recognisable portraits Celebritation, a book of Rankin’s images of his model wife Tuuli Tuulitastic and most recently Alex Box in collaboration with the avant-garde make-up artist.

In addition to his photography career, Rankin co-directs music videos, commercials and feature films with Chris Cottam. Their debut film, The Lives of Saints, penned by Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas writer Tony Grisoni, enjoyed success on the festival circuit and won the grand jury prize at the Salento International Film Festival. Rankin and Chris continue to direct commercial projects and have created music videos for among others, Nelly Furtado, Robyn and The Enemy.

Rankin lives in London with his wife Tuuli and his 13 year old son Lyle.

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