William Eggleston

Date of Birth: July 27, 1939

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Biography

William Eggleston is an American photographer widely recognized for his pioneering use of color in art photography. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, and raised in Sumner, Mississippi, Eggleston’s work focuses on the mundane aspects of everyday life, capturing the beauty in the ordinary. His career took off in the 1970s when his photographs were featured in a groundbreaking solo exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City in 1976. This exhibition marked a significant shift in the art world, as Eggleston’s vibrant color photographs were considered a departure from the prevailing black-and-white documentary style. Over the decades, he has published numerous photobooks and has been the subject of many retrospectives, solidifying his place as a seminal figure in contemporary photography.

5 Interesting Facts about William Eggleston

1. William Eggleston is often referred to as the “father of color photography” due to his revolutionary use of color in his works.

2. He studied at multiple institutions, including Vanderbilt University, Delta State University, and the University of Mississippi, though he never earned a degree.

3. In 2008, Eggleston was awarded the prestigious Hasselblad Foundation International Award in Photography.

4. His iconic photograph “The Red Ceiling” (1973) is one of his most famous works and exemplifies his use of color and composition.

5. Eggleston’s work has influenced a wide range of contemporary photographers and filmmakers, including Sofia Coppola and David Lynch.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William Eggleston

1. “I had this notion of what I called a democratic way of looking around: that nothing was more or less important.”

2. “I am at war with the obvious.”

3. “I am afraid that there is no way of looking at a work of art by an artist who has no sense of humor.”

4. “The world is full of images, but they don’t really register. My job is to make them register.”

5. “The best way to make a picture is to be there.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, William Eggleston’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

William Eggleston has three children: Winston Eggleston, Alexander Eggleston, and Andra Eggleston. His children have been involved in preserving and promoting his legacy, with Winston managing the Eggleston Artistic Trust.