WALTER RUDOLPH X AGONY + ECSTASY GALLERY
Agony + Ecstasy Gallery is thrilled to present Walter Rudolph to our photographers roster.
Walter Rudolph (German, b. 1915, d. 1997) worked for airline and tour operators Thomson (TUI) and Iberia during the 70’s and 80’s. Tasked to photograph and promote popular holiday destinations for travel brochures and international photo agencies, Rudolph and his wife had a passion for discovering new places and cultures: Hong Kong, Kenya, Portugal, Israel, Italy, London and the Mediterranean. In 1976 his career took him to the Balearic Island of Ibiza, an emerging destination growing in popularity with European tourists. The hippy movement was sweeping the island and visitors revelled in the easygoing Ibizan lifestyle, stunning beaches and hedonistic nightlife.
Rudolph’s iconic photography of Ibiza marks the beginnings of modern tourism capturing familiar landmarks and authentic Ibicenco culture. The series is a nostalgic reminder of a bygone Ibiza on the cusp of discovery by the rest of the world. A time capsule containing gems like the exotic Penta Club, Fantasilandia and El Corsario Restaurant in Dalt Vila or Plaça de Vila now pedestrianised, crowded with vintage cars.
The archive is visually stimulating: Rudolph’s creative eye and stylish aesthetic are reflected in unstaged social scenarios, similar to that of photographer Slim Aarons and film director Wes Anderson. The leisure and pleasures of Ibizan society are captured in iconic surroundings like the Argos Hotel in Talamanca. The collection is well rounded with photographs of local Ibicenco doñas in traditional clothing hard at work contrasting with chic Iberian Air hostesses and excited airline passengers.
The collection features 40 vintage photographs in 6x6 analog format curated by Gallery Director Emma Salahi which are exclusive and Limited Edition to Agony + Ecstasy Gallery.
“I discovered Walter Rudolph about a year ago, his photography of Ibiza captures the naturalness of what the island was like in the 70’s. As opposed to Oriol Maspons, who shot Ibiza in the 50’s and 80’s, Rudolph champions the 70’s. They are stylish, nostalgic and ooze colour and saturation. He shoots transportation, fashion, beaches and bustling streets, it’s like you were standing right there in that chaotic scenario”. — Emma Salahi, Gallery Director
A carefully curated collection of 40 magnificent photographs shot between 1976 and 1980, exclusive to Agony + Ecstasy Gallery.
Each image is a Limited Edition of 25, stamped, signed and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
Contact the gallery for a works list and more information.
Coming soon to the website.
