Annie Leibovitz (American, b. 1949) Wizard of Oz (for Vogue) (8 works), 2005 Digital pigment prints, printed 2021 10-3/4 x 15-7/8 inches (27.3 x 40.3 cm) (images) 13 x 18 inches (sheets) Signed and editioned 2/8 on colophon. Property from the Estate of James P. Riswold, Portland, Oregon PROVENANCE: Hauser & Wirth, Hong Kong; Private collection, acquired from the above. Featuring: Keira Knightley as Dorothy Gale; Alba Clemente as Auntie Em; Francesco Clemente as Uncle Henry; Kara Walker as Glinda; Penn State Marching Band as Munchkins; Brice Marden as Scarecrow; John Currin as The Tin Man; Jasper Johns as the Cowardly Lion; Chuck Close as The Wizard; Jeff Koons as the Winged Monkey; Kikki Smith as the Wicked Witch of the West. Annie Leibovitz's reimagining of L. Frank Baum's classic novel, famously adapted into film, reached its fashionable pinnacle in Vogue's December 2005 issue. This innovative portfolio sent waves through both popular culture and particularly the art world. Leibovitz, celebrated for her iconic celebrity portraits and powerful photographic narratives, achieved a rare and significant feat by spotlighting prominent artistic figures in a mainstream publication. Her interpretation of the magical land of Oz exemplifies Leibovitz at her finest—creative, meticulous, and masterfully on target. Dressed in a striking silver suit, John Currin stands with an axe raised dramatically over a startled Keira Knightley. Nearby, Kara Walker, adorned in a white evening gown and tiara, stands resolutely backed by the Penn State Marching Band, confronting a subdued Knightley. A frightened Keira Knightley is swept away by a winged, furry Jeff Koons. Meanwhile, Jasper Johns, embodying "The Lion in Winter," commands attention perched regally above an awestruck Knightley. "I love our December issues. We always mark the holidays with a fantastic, and fantastical, fashion portfolio; and this year Creative Director Grace Coddington has conspired with Annie Leibovitz to produce a stunningly dramatic spin on the Wizard of Oz. The project began in the summer, when Grace was captivated by the idea of a very specific look -- in her words, "Bonpoint for grown-ups" -- on the lovely Kiera Knightley. Grace got going, as tends to: instructing our top designers to make sweet Empire dresses that transitioned from nursery to cocktail; persuading artists such as Jasper Johns and Chuck Close to take part in the photographic pantomime." - Anna Wintour's Letter from the Editor, December 2005 HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.com/TexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice