Anton Corbijn

Bio

Anton Corbijn, born in 1955 in Strijen, Netherlands, is a visionary photographer and filmmaker whose artistic journey began in high school, inspired by his profound love for music. His first foray into photography took place at an open-air concert in 1972, where he captured the energy of the performance using his father’s camera. This initial exploration quickly evolved from stage photography to intimate portraits, with a focus on musicians. In 1979, driven by his passion for music, Anton relocated to London, where he would establish himself as one of the most influential figures in both music and portrait photography. A self-taught artist, Corbijn has continually redefined his photographic style while maintaining a consistent focus on artists, particularly musicians. His iconic images feature a diverse array of legends, including Tom Waits, David Bowie, Kurt Cobain, Ian Curtis, Clint Eastwood, Joni Mitchell, and many more. Notably, he has served as the ‘house’ photographer for U2 and Depeche Mode for nearly four decades, capturing their artistic essence in a way that has become synonymous with their identities. In addition to his photography, Corbijn has made significant contributions to film and video. He was among the first still photographers to direct music videos, amassing an impressive portfolio of approximately 80 music videos for renowned artists such as Nirvana, Metallica, and Arcade Fire. His acclaimed work in this field includes the award-winning video for Nirvana’s “Heart Shaped Box” and a Golden Frog award in 2007 for his outstanding contributions to music videos. Beyond photography and film, Corbijn has ventured into graphic design, crafting logos, posters, and album covers for prominent artists. His innovative approach includes hand-painted typefaces, leading to successful designs for U2, Depeche Mode, and even the reimagining of Chanel’s iconic logo for their Haute Couture Show in 2021. His exhibitions have garnered widespread acclaim across , and his work is featured in numerous museums and galleries, as well as in over 15 published books. Recent publications include "DM.AC," a collaborative project with Depeche Mode that showcases over 500 images from Corbijn’s personal archives, and "MOØDe," which explores the intersection of photography and fashion with previously unpublished works. Corbijn's artistic journey is further highlighted by his feature films, including "CONTROL," which chronicles the life of Joy Division's Ian Curtis, and has received numerous accolades. His other films, such as "The American," starring George Clooney, and "A Most Wanted Man," featuring Philip Seymour Hoffman, have also achieved critical success. In recognition of his contributions to the arts, Corbijn was awarded the prestigious Prince Bernhard Cultuurfonds Prijs in 2011. His commercial work includes directing campaigns for luxury brands such as Dior and Chanel, showcasing his versatility and creative vision. Recently, Anton Corbijn has focused on capturing the essence of contemporary painters like Ai Weiwei and Gerhard Richter in a series titled "Inwards and Onwards." Currently, he is working on two highly anticipated docu/live films centered around Depeche Mode and U2, further solidifying his legacy as a pivotal figure in the world of art and music.