Gagosian London presents Richard Avedon's 'Facing West' exhibition of rare 1980s American West portraits

From January 15 to March 14, 2026, Gagosian London will present 'Richard Avedon: Facing West,' showcasing 21 rare prints from Avedon's iconic series 'In the American West,' created four decades ago. Curated by Caroline Avedon, this exhibition reflects on Avedon's extensive five-year endeavor (1979-1984) to portray individuals from 21 states across the U.S. Known for his work in fashion photography, Avedon depicted miners, herdsmen, and transient individuals, providing intricate narratives for each subject. Among those featured are coal miner James Story and rancher Richard Wheatcroft. The series received criticism, including a 1985 review in the Washington Post. Avedon referred to it as a portrayal of 'a fictional west,' delving into themes of identity and class, sparking conversations about representation in modern portraiture.