SANDRO MILLER’S “MALKOVICH, MALKOVICH, MALKOVICH”

HOMAGE TO PHOTOGRAPHIC MASTERS

Images Sandr o Miller/ Catherine Edelman Gallery/ www.edelmangallery.com
By Pedro Lazaro

When he was 16 years old, Sandro Miller saw the work of photographer Irving Penn.
He was so impressed by the images that he instantly knew he wanted to be a photographer. Mostly self-taught, Miller relied on books published by many of the great artists of his time which were canonized in photographic history. Through their pictures,
He learned the art of composition, lighting and portraiture.
More than 30 years later, with clients ranging from Forbes, GQ and Esquire, to American Express, Coca-Cola and BMW, Miller has secured his place as one of the
top advertising photographers in the world.

His success in the world of commercial photography allows him to continue his personal projects which have included working in Cuba, photographing American blues musicians, several dance troupes, and extended endeavors with actor John Malkovich, his longtime friend and collaborator. Sandro first met Malkovich in the late 1990s while working on an assignment for Steppenwolf Theater. More than 16 years later, Miller and
Malkovich are still collaborating. Their latest project is “Malkovich, Malkovich, Malkovich”.

In 2013, Miller decided to do a project honoring the men and women whose photographs helped shape his career. After selecting 35 images to emulate, Miller contacted Malkovich, who instantly agreed to participate.
“John is the most brilliant, prolific person I know,” said Miller about the actor. “His genius is unparalleled. I can suggest a mood or idea and within moments, he
literally morphs into the character right in front of my eyes. He is so trusting of my work and of our process…I’m truly blessed to have him as my friend and collaborator.”

The “Malkovich, Malkovich, Malkovich ” project honors photographs that have impacted Miller. Pieces include Irving Penn’s photograph of Truman Capote in a corner; Bert Stern’s photographs of Marilyn Monroe; Dorothea Lange’s image of a migrant mother; Robert Mapplethorpe’s self-portrait with a gun; Annie Leibowitz’s iconic image of John Lennon and Yoko Ono; Richard Avedon’s beekeeper, among many others.

John Malkovich is considered to be one of the greatest American
actors of the 21st century. In “Malkovich, Malkovich, Malkovich” he demonstrates his chameleon-like proclivity, morphing into Albert Einstein, Che Guevara, John Lennon and Andy
Warhol. Through this immense skill and Miller’s amazing photographic eye, the “Malkovich, Malkovich, Malkovich” exhibition pays respect to photographic history through the genius of a photographer and his muse.