Sir Elton John and David Furnish are known for their incredible music careers, but now they are stepping into the world of photography with their first-ever exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. The photography collection, entitled Fragile Beauty, takes visitors on a journey through various thematic sections, with the photography at the center stage.
The scenography of Fragile Beauty was designed by local architecture firm EBBA, who decided to use repurposed materials from previous exhibition sets to create a unique and captivating experience. Over 75 percent of a Chanel showcase was recycled and reimagined to fit the new concept, showcasing the creative reuse of materials.
The exhibition is carefully laid out with creative placement of walls, including curved, peeled, freestanding, and plain walls, guiding visitors through the different themes of the collection. The progression through the exhibition is natural, with each thematic section offering a new perspective on the collection.
The introductory section, ‘Fashion’, sets the tone for the exhibition, followed by ‘Stars of Stage’ where the audience becomes the focal point as a spotlight shines on them. The journey continues with photography focused on the human body, recent history captured on film in ‘Reportage’, and color and landscape in ‘American Scene.’
Light and color play a significant role in creating different atmospheres in each room, while the size of the works gradually increases as visitors move through the exhibition. To address the changing scale and ensure coherence in the different themes, EBBA introduced a suspended structure that allows for a layered view of the space, creating a dynamic and engaging environment.
The Fragile Beauty exhibition not only showcases the stunning photography collection curated by Sir Elton John and David Furnish, but it also highlights the creativity and innovation in exhibition design by using repurposed materials and unique scenography. Visitors are sure to be captivated by the immersive experience and incredible photography on display at the Victoria & Albert Museum.