Body and Skin: Sensual Photography of Bettina Rheims

Background

In 1952, Bettina Caroline Germaine Rheims was born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, a Parisian suburb. Before starting photography in her late twenties, she worked as a model, journalist, and gallerist. France considers her a distinguished artist who combines fashion, surrealism, religious iconography, eroticism, and gender representation in her photography. Her family was both interested in art and wellconnected. Rheims’s father, Maurice, was a famous art historian who handled Picasso’s estate. Her sister, Nathalie, is a writer and producer. Rheims’s mother, a German, had Rothschild family ties. Bettina’s previous partner was writer Serge Bramly, before marrying lawyer Jean-Michel Darrois. She received the Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur and Grand officier de l’ordre du Mérite for her lifetime achievements.

Fig 1. Naked War Femen/Rheims

Fig 2. Bettina Rheims

Fig 3. Bettina Rheims - Tokyo Room Series 2007

Fig.4

Fig 5. Monica Bellucci by Bettina Rheims from her Rose, c'est Paris series

Fig 6. Bettina Rheims

Fig 7. Bettina Rheims

Experience

Though Rheims didn’t attend college, she felt her attractiveness qualified her for modeling. Despite not seeing herself as a supermodel, she still pursued the career. For Rheims, each job was a chance to understand herself better. She never pictured herself having a career in photography. Driven by curiosity, she took photos.

Rheims distinctive style draws inspiration from German-Australian photographer, Helmut Newton. His fashion photography was innovative in its use of eroticism and nudity. Newton’s mentorship and network enabled Rheims to find an agent that increased her recognition. From the 1980s, her portfolio covers portraits for magazines such as Elle, Vogue, and Paris Match. Rheims also contributed to advertising campaigns for high-profile fashion brands, including Chanel and Lancôme. She worked with a range of high-profile actors and public figures, such as Madonna, Sharon Stone, Kate Moss, Monica Bellucci, and Jacques Chirac. Some critics have been perplexed by Rheims’ ability to move between commercial projects and fine art throughout her distinguished career. To her, there’s no distinction or contradiction.

Fig 8. Bettina Rheims/Chamber Close

Continue reading in Premium and discover more about the aesthetics of Rheims' unique style and the creative process, her major projects, numerous additional pics, and more...

Click HERE for an article on the controversial nude photography of Rheims' idol Helmut Newton