Richard Corman

Basquiat A Portrait I

1984

While Richard Corman’s photography varies widely in subject matter, it is always intensely focused on the infinitely varied expressions of the human spirit. Ken Burns, documentarian and director, describes Richard’s work as: "Artistic vision dedicated to the highest aspirations of human endeavor... the photographs record in big moments and small, among the famous and ordinary, the gifted and challenged, larger truths relevant to all of us." As a portrait photographer, Corman has worked with a thrilling breadth of subjects from Nobel Peace Prize recipients Nelson Mandela and Elie Wiesel to esteemed actors at the top of their profession such as Robert De Niro, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and Meryl Streep. In addition to his work with those already acknowledged for their accomplishments, Corman has the unique ability to see the compelling gifts in yet to be celebrated young artists. This has led him to working relationships with Madonna, Jean Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring as each was on the cusp of showing to the world what Richard had already captured. Richard has worked with elite athletes who inspire greatness, like Michael Jordan, Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Muhammad Ali. Beyond the physical prowess and beauty of the athletes, Richard has been able to capture the spirit of determination and dedication that is at each of their cores. Some of the best-loved musicians of our time have worked with Corman, including Sting, Wynton Marsalis and Barbra Streisand. Richard’s gift for generating trust and openness with his subjects has extended to his portraits of writers, visual artists and dancers, who epitomize the best of their art, such as Kurt Vonnegut, Isamu Noguchi and Misty Copeland. Richard is driven to find and capture an essential image of great spirits and great talent. Throughout his career, he’s been fortunate and honored to find them at all stages of the arc of their career. Richard’s desire to capture the beauty of the human spirit extends beyond the commercial and entertainment worlds. Humbling experiences with many socio-cultural projects and non-profit organizations have translated into an extensive portfolio of indelible images. Most notable is his personal and profoundly compassionate work with the Special Olympics. Richard has traveled the world photographing these inspiring athletes for over two decades.