Survey of four decades of work by iconic photographer Robert Farber on view at Cavalier Gallery

NEW YORK, NY.- Over 400 international collectors and prominent figures in art, fashion, beauty and finance flocked to have the first look at an extraordinary survey of four decades of work by famed photographer Robert Farber on Thursday January 30. The show Farberesque: From Pensive to Provocative at 3West57 Project presented by Cavalier Gallery is a fascinating overview of the vast body of work created by the iconic photographer who has influenced scores of the world’s leading photographers with his painterly, impressionistic style that allows the viewer to see the subject from a different perspective by creating unique compositions. The show runs through February 26, 2014, 3West57 Project at Cavalier Gallery, 3 West 57th Street , New York (next door to Bergdorf Goodman).

Gia on the Lifeguard Stand, Edition of 10, fine art paper pigment print

Iconic photographer Robert Farber who successfully melded commerce & art for award winning ad campaigns for the likes of Bill Blass, Geoffrey Beene, DeBeers Diamonds, Saks, Bloomingdale’s, Avon, Marshall Field’s, Macy’s, Mennen, Gillette, Cutex and Revlon drew the attention early in his career of then editor Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Impressed by his fashion, nude and landscape works, Onassis brought him into the Doubleday family and published his best-selling book By the Sea, which won the Art Director’s Award for color photography. Interestingly, her estate included copies of his other bestseller Farber Nudes. A documentary highlighting the artist is currently in development for PBS and will air September 2014.

While best known for his work with the nude, the exhibition will feature newly released prints of his classic fashion images, selections from his Americana series, as well as, a group of his vintage SX70 Polaroids. Also Included will be images of his beloved New York City and a selection of images from a number of his books, including a preview of images from an upcoming new book release.

Farber’s painterly, impressionistic style and unique compositions are clearly demonstrated in the artist’s work with female nudes. Fellow photographer, the late Arnold Newman explains why Farber’s work stands out compared to so many others, “He is one of the very few who is able to delight and pleasure us in this elusive approach to nature. From abstraction to realism he reveals to us his love of the female form. His delightful and beautiful photographs offer a unique pleasure”. Although he began introducing nudes in his advertising work in the 1970s, Farber combined his fine art approach to photographing nudes, and advertising when he was commissioned to shoot the famed cover of Newsweek’s breast cancer issue.

Farber also brings his romantic style to landscapes through his Americana series. By forcing the viewer to look at the images in a different way the artist hopes to show the heart and soul of America; a perspective he also applies to his New York Series. Farber hopes that his unique take on composition and style allow the viewer to experience the excitement, nostalgia, the grit and the elegance of the city.

Robert Farber’s style has influenced generations of photographers. His painterly, impressionistic style captures the essence of composition in every genre, including nudes, still life, landscapes and architecture. His ten photo art books have sold over half a million copies.

In addition to his collaboration with Mrs. Onassis which won him the coveted Art Directors Award, Robert Farber also received the Photographer of the Year from PMA (Photographic Manufacturers Association), ASP International Award from the PPA (Professional Photographers of America) and The American Society of Photographers.

This award was given to those who’ve made a significant contribution to the science and art of photography. Some previous recipients of this award include Dr. Edwin Land (inventor of the Polaroid), George Hurrell, and National Geographic.

Farber’s work with nudes in fine art as well as in the commercial realm is known and respected. He has lectured for Ogilvy & Mather on the “Nude in Advertising.” ASMP requested to use Farber’s nudes as an example of the artistic application in support of the National Endowment of Arts, after its backing of the controversial Mapplethorpe/Serrano exhibit. His book, “Farber Nudes,” was also included the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis estate collection.

Farber’s work has been exhibited in galleries and museums world-wide. He has lectured at the Smithsonian Institute, The George Eastman House as well as Universities and professional groups around the world. He has received the Photographer of the Year Award from the Photographic Manufacturers Association, the ASP International Award from the Professional Photographers of America and the American Society of Photographers.