Alexey Brodovitch: Astonish Me

About the Exhibition

Alexey Brodovitch (American, born Russia, 1898–1971) was a graphic designer, instructor, illustrator, and photographer who spent formative periods of his career in Paris, Philadelphia, and New York. His artistic pursuits were surprising and diverse, in an era when creatives were free to experiment across media.

Brodovitch is perhaps known best for being the art director of the US fashion magazine Harper’s Bazaar for nearly a quarter century (1934–58). There, he ushered in a bold new aesthetic, drawing on European modernism and making photography the cornerstone of the magazine’s identity. Through his work at Bazaar and his legendary design classes in Philadelphia and New York, Brodovitch influenced a generation of American and emigré photographers, including Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, Lillian Bassman, and Eve Arnold. Though distinct in style, they are unified by their embrace of Brodovitch’s dictum: “Astonish me.”

Alexey Brodovitch: Astonish Me, presented in the Roberts Gallery, follows the trajectory of Brodovitch’s career and influence through personal stories and case studies. Featuring original and collaborative works by Brodovitch and his protégés, it illuminates the breadth of his impact on print culture today and shows that his legacy is all around us.

The Barnes is proud to present the first major US exhibition devoted to Brodovitch, who, like Dr. Albert Barnes, played a vital role in introducing modern European art to American audiences.

“All designers, all photographers, all art directors, whether they know it or not, are students of Alexey Brodovitch.” —Irving Penn

Exhibition Organization

Organized by the Barnes and curated by consulting curator Katy Wan, Managing Curator, D.Daskalopoulos Collection Gift, Tate Modern, London.

Related Programs

Member Previews
Thursday, February 29 – Saturday, March 2, 10am – 5pm
Members are invited to see the exhibition before it opens to the public.

First Friday
March 1, April 5, and May 3; 6 – 9pm
Enjoy an evening of art, live music, cocktails, and light fare at our monthly First Friday mixer and performance series. Each event includes access to the Barnes collection and Alexey Brodovitch: Astonish Me.

Curator Talk: Alexey Brodovitch: Astonish Me
Saturday, March 2, 1 – 2pm
Join curator Katy Wan for an enlightening exhibition preview.

Exhibition Tours
Thursday – Monday, 1pm
Trace the indelible mark that Brodovitch left on a generation of artists, designers, and publishers.

Private Exhibition Tours
Thursday – Monday, 10am, 11am, 2pm
This tour is a private one-hour experience for up to seven guests.

Members-Only Exhibition Tours
Thursdays, March 7 – May 16, 2 – 3pm
Members are invited to exclusive tours of Alexey Brodovitch: Astonish Me in the Roberts Gallery.

Members-Only Online Tours
Wednesdays, March 13, April 17, and May 15; 2–3 pm
Members are invited to exclusive online exhibition tours.

PECO Free First Sunday Family Day
March 3, April 7, and May 5; 10am – 5pm
On the first Sunday of every month, the Barnes partners with PECO to offer a free day of family fun. Along with art making, educational activities, and featured performances, the event includes access to the Barnes collection and Alexey Brodovitch: Astonish Me.

Online Class: Fashion Photography: The Magazine as Canvas
Wednesdays, April 24 – May 15, 6:30 – 8pm
Survey the key artists who blurred the lines between fine art and commercial photography, forever changing print media.

Young Professionals Night: Astonish Me
Friday, May 10, 7 – 10pm
After-hours art, style, and music await Philadelphia’s young leaders and Barnes Contemporaries members.