Over the past two decades photographer Russell James’ images have become synonymous with provocative, unique perspectives of many of the most prominent people of our time in the worlds of entertainment, fashion and beauty. He is renowned as an international Vogue cover photographer and his works have appeared in many leading publications such as W, Vogue, Allure, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, American Photo, French Photo and Sports Illustrated. James’ works are the subject of five fine-art books of his solo works including ‘Russell James’ (2009), ‘Nomad Two Worlds’ (2010), ‘V2’ (2011), ‘A Virgin Island’ (2013) and ‘Angels’ (2014) all published by world leading art book publisher teNeues Publications. The books have achieved critical acclaim and mass popularity, appearing on multiple best-seller lists. They are published in more than seventy countries around the world.
In August of 2007 James was awarded the Hasselblad Masters Award, and in 2009 he joined the prestigious ranks of Irving Penn and Helmut Newton as a resident artist of Camera Work, the world’s leading gallery for contemporary photography and vintage master works.
Russell’s diverse photographic achievements range from exhibiting for brands such as Hermes in association with Guggenheim, to breakthrough advertising campaigns for global brands such as Rolex, Victoria’s Secret, Evian and Revlon, to emotional portraits of many of the world’s leading celebrities, musicians and supermodels, such as Scarlett Johansson, President Bill Clinton, Halle Berry, Faith Hill, Rihanna, Kendall Jenner and a host of others. He has been the subject of solo photographic exhibitions in New York, Berlin, Los Angeles, Sydney, Aspen, The Hamptons, Oslo among other cities.
Russell’s fine art project entitled Nomad Two Worlds, a series inspired by the global consequences of cultural collision, has been recognized and lauded by critics and fans alike. Nomad Two Worlds is informed both by Australia’s ancient past and by an unfolding, present-day political narrative. It has become a global example of reconciliation in action. Since its launch in New York City in 2009 with the support of Donna Karan, Hugh Jackman and the Australian Government, the collection has previewed in the national gallery of Victoria and lead to the forming of ‘Nomad Two Worlds Foundation’ in 2012. The Foundation provides grants and supports artists in indigenous and marginalized communities around the world.
His eye originally inspired by the rich natural location of his home lands in Western Australia, James developed his cutting edge and provocative fashion style in the cities of London, Paris, Tokyo, Stockholm and Milan in the years 1987 to 1996 creating a unique blend of fashion and extreme location as his signature trademark. Known for his love of the environment, social activism and dramatic architecture, James is often found shooting in locations ranging from the shores of the Caribbean beaches, to the outback of Australia, to the ice flows of the Arctic Circle to the more civilized realm of designer homes and studios in the major cities of New York, Los Angeles, London and Paris.
