Switzerland: Rankin Disruption

© John Rankin

Photographer Rankin launches his first solo exhibition at Petra Gut Contemporary Gallery, showcasing iconic portraits and never-before-exhibited Polaroids from top shoots.

Celebrating the start of their gallerist and artist collaboration, Rankin has joined forces with Zurich based Petra Gut to explore his boldest portraiture. From international superstars to dancers and models, Disruption is a unique tour through the emotion, intimacy and humour evident in Rankin’s portrait and beauty work.

“I’ve always been obsessed with people. I want to get to know everyone and know everything about them. I think this is why I love portraits as I get to spend one-on-one time with the great and the good and really find out what makes them them. Disruption is the first time I’ve had a show that is really all about that emotional connection. The works show sadness, happiness, nervousness and confidence. Just like my portrait and beauty photography, this exhibition is all about a connection and a feeling.”

Opening up the door further into his artistic practice and the photographer/model relationship, Disruption also sees Rankin explore his Polaroid archive to find one of a kind frames. Taken between the 1990’s and early 2000s, these images are unique snapshots from some of Rankin’s best known shoots. Taking familiar subjects from unfamiliar angles, these Polaroids reveal close-up and behind-the- scenes views of beauty, fashion, nudes and advertising.

The most revealing display of what makes beauty and portraiture exciting and essential artforms, Disruption is a personal take on faces both known and unknown.



Rankin : Disruption
6th February – 20th March, 2020
Petra Gut Contemporary
Nüschelerstrasse 31
8001 Zürich, Switzerland
More information here
More exhibitions on All About Photo

© John Rankin