Dennis Hopper – The Lost Album

Dennis Hopper: The Lost Album – The Royal Academy Of Arts

Dennis Hopper, the actor who stared in classic films such as Apocalypse Now, Blue Velvet, and the iconic Easy Rider, was also an accomplished photographer. Hopper said that his photographs never made him a cent, however they kept him alive. The RA exhibition showcased a diverse range of photographs, mostly taken in the 1960’s.  The subject matters ranged from Civil Rights movement protests, urban landscapes, hell’s angels, hippies and the famous.

One of the most interesting statements Hopper made, was the fact that he never cropped his photographs. This highlights his ability to see a composition and be aware of the finer details that make a striking image. His portraits of musicians, artists and fellow actors are all natural, endearing and of the moment. This is a style that I really like, especially when I compare them to the studio posed images we see in most fashionable magazines. I found Hopper’s work very inspiring and after the exhibition I was compelled to photograph street life in London.

Dennis Hopper – The lost album – simon taylor journal Paul Newman

Dennis Hopper – The lost album – simon taylor journal

Dennis Hopper – The lost album – simon taylor journal

Dennis Hopper – The lost album – simon taylor journal

Dennis Hopper – The lost album – simon taylor journal

Easy Rider

Images left to right: Paul Newman, Martin Luther King, Andy Warhol, Ike and Turner, torn poster and still from Easy Rider