British photographer Tim Walker to shoot 2018 Pirelli Calendar in London

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
May 9, 2017

British photographer Tim Walker, known for his gothic and surreal imagery, has been chosen to be the visionary behind the 2018 Pirelli Calendar.

The 45th edition of the famous trade calendar will be shot in London in the coming weeks but no further details about the specific locations will be provided until the official launch of the calendar in November.

Walker joins a long list of top photographers who have worked with Pirelli to create the annual publication, including Annie Leibovitz (2016 and 2000), Steven Meisel (2015), Patrick Demarchelier (2008 and 2005), Nick Knight (2004), Richard Avendon (1995 and 1997) and Helmut Newton (1986). The author of the 2017 Pirelli Calendar was Peter Lindbergh.

Pirelli said Walker, who is based in London, is “one of the most cultured, original and influential contemporary photographers the world has seen.” His ability to tell stories through photography using complex scenographic narration, and his attention to detail, result in genuine works of art, and many of his images can be found in various permanent collections in museums and galleries throughout the world.

“The worlds created by Walker, despite representing a fantastic reality of an essence which is both fragile and imperceptible, are at the same time never far from our daily lives, and are merely a surreal but believable version of our own reality,” said Pirelli.

“His connection with reality is also evident in his interpretation of modern tendencies, and though his work contains frequent references to the past, his aesthetic culture is strongly tied to the most innovative movements and artistic trends of modern times.”

An Exeter College of Art graduate, Walker began his long career by immediately winning third prize in ‘The Independent Photographer of the Year’ contest. He cut his teeth working as an assistant to Richard Avedon in New York and did his first fashion shoot for Vogue at age 25.

Since then, he has worked for a number of Vogue international editions, as well as for W Magazine and Love Magazine. His work has been showcased at London’s Design Museum and Somerset House, and he received the “Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator” from the British Fashion Council in 2008.

Walker was made an honorary fellow of the Royal Photographic Society in 2012.