The Artistic Legacy of John Deakin: A Critical Retrospective

John Deakin (8 May 1912 – 25 May 1972) emerges as a complex and accomplished figure in the annals of photography. Known for his impactful and often controversial style, especially in portraiture, Deakin's work continues to provoke debate among enthusiasts. While some marvel at the immediacy and raw honesty of his images, others find his stark contrasts and tight cropping to be cold and staged. This article delves into the life, style, and lasting legacy of John Deakin.

John Deakin: A Portrait Photographer of His Time

Deakin was born in Wirral, England, and quickly established himself as a photographer of the bohemian Soho set during the 1950s. His striking portraits, often candid and unscripted, capture the essence of the era's cultural milieu. One of his most famous works is the series he photographed for the artist Francis Bacon, which influenced several of Bacon's major works.

Portraiture as Immediacy and Truth

Deakin's style in portraiture is characterized by blunt immediacy, which is often enhanced by tight cropping and extreme tonal contrast. Two notable examples of his photography include portraits of Paul Newman and Henrieta Moraes. These images, while technically competent, are often perceived as clinical and lacking in genuine emotional depth. The high contrast and coldness in his work can be disheartening for some viewers, who feel that the subjects are being staged rather than captured naturally.

Deakin's Diverse Body of Work

While Deakin's portraiture is his most celebrated work, his versatility as a photographer is evident in his street and fashion photography. Despite his reputation for uncompromisingly honest portraits, his fashion photography has also garnered attention for its striking compositions and bold use of contrast. His photographs have been celebrated in exhibitions at the Victoria and Albert Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, and The Photographers Gallery in London, as part of “John Deakin: The Salvage of a Photographer” (1984-85), “John Deakin Photographs” (1996), and “Under the Influence: John Deakin and the Lure of Soho” (2014).

Comparison with Other Notable Photographers

When compared to other renowned photographers, the appreciation for Deakin's work varies widely. Annie Leibovitz, for example, is celebrated for her dramatic and stylish portraits. Similarly, David Bailey brings a raw, documentary-like quality to his street photography, capturing the essence of urban life with a sense of immediacy. In contrast, Don McCullin is renowned for his powerful war photography, while Eliot Porter and Francis Lantigano focus on nature photography, each bringing a distinct and emotional depth to their respective subjects.

Conclusion: The Complexity of John Deakin's Legacy

John Deakin's persistent and often polarizing career in photography invites a multifaceted appraisal. His unflinching approach to portraiture, while sometimes critiqued for lacking emotional warmth, remains a cornerstone of his artistic legacy. As an artist, his work continues to inspire and challenge both appreciators of photography and curators of artistic exhibitions. Whether one finds Deakin's style appealing or unsettling, his contributions to the field of photography cannot be overstated.