PRESS RELEASE | N E W Y O R K | 1 2 SEPTEMBER 2013 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHRISTIE’S PRESENTS PHOTOGRAPHS BY NORMAN SEEFF: THE LOST ARCHIVE

LEFT: Norman Seeff, , , 1974. $2,500-3,500 | RIGHT: Norman Seeff, & , New York, 1969. $3,000-5,000

Online-Only – Christie’s is pleased to announce the online-only auction of Photographs by Norman Seeff: The Lost Archive. The online auction will encompass 50 vintage gelatin silver prints from the illustrious photographer and filmmaker Norman Seeff, and will be open for bidding from September 27 through October 9 via www.christies.com/seeff. Over the past 45 years, Seeff has created several of the most recognizable images of the 20th century, including those of Carly Simon, , , , , , , , Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe, the Ramones, , Diane Keaton and among others. The selection of photographs presented here will represent the breadth and electricity of Seeff’s most memorable sessions, which often resulted in the images that graced the covers of the century’s most stirring albums and magazines. Vintage gelatin silver prints by Seeff are extremely rare and many presented in this exclusive sale are unique. As authentic “work prints,” these objects were physically presented to artists and their agents for approval, becoming vehicles for the world’s perception of some of the greatest stars of our time.

For Seeff, the session became the art-form itself, transforming into a multi-disciplinary process of photography, filmmaking and creative communication. In his evolution as a photographer of public personalities, Seeff realized that in order to accomplish the vitality and authenticity he was looking for in his images, he needed to change the nature of his interaction with artists and innovators. Seeff shifted his focus towards creating an authentic experience between himself and the subject, and in doing so he was able to create images that conveyed the spirit of his subjects within the context of the session. Responding to the success of this new format, Seeff brought a film crew into a session for the first time in 1975, beginning with Ike and Tina Turner. One of the best images from this session with the Turners will be included in the selection (estimate: $3,000-5,000). His photographic sessions soon became legendary, commonly attracting audiences of 30 or 40 spectators, and swelling to over 200 on some occasions. Since 1975, Seeff has documented over 500 sessions with artists of many disciplines including musicians, actors, writers, directors, actors, scientists, entrepreneurs, politicians, athletes, etc. The sale is comprised of vintage gelatin silver prints that range in estimate from $2,500 to $7,000. These photographs will be on public view from September 27 to October 2, 2013 at Christie’s New York, marking the first time that they have been available for public exhibition. The sale is being presented in partnership with Mary Ann Mattiello, who is a longtime supporter of Norman Seeff.

About Norman Seeff: Seeff moved from his Native South Africa to in 1968. Shortly after his arrival, Seeff’s photographs of people on the streets of were discovered by the famed art director and graphic designer . Renowned for his Grammy Award-winning design, Cato became an important mentor to Seeff and gave him his first major assignment, which was to produce images for The Band’s Stage Fright album. A vintage print depicting the result of this collaboration will be included in the sale (estimate: 2,500-3,500). The tremendous outcome of his assignment earned him immediate recognition and launched his career as a “rock” photographer. In 1971, Seeff relocated to Los Angeles to become creative director of United Artists Records. Two years later, he opened an independent studio on the Sunset strip, where he created many of his most remarkable images. It wasn’t until the late 1990s, when an assistant went to retrieve film assets from Seeff’s Studio City warehouse, that his archive of gelatin silver prints – overlooked for years due to Seeff’s abounding roster of projects – were rediscovered.

LEFT: Norman Seeff, Tina Turner, Los Angeles, 1983. $2,500-3,500 | RIGHT: Norman Seeff, Steve Martin, Los Angeles, 1977. $2,500-3,500

PRESS CONTACT: REBECCA RIEGELHAUPT | +1 212 636 2680 | [email protected]

About Christie’s Christie’s, the world's leading art business, had global auction and private sales in the first half of 2013 that totaled £2.4 billion/ $3.68 billion. In 2012, Christie’s had global auction and private sales that totaled £3.92 billion/$6.27 billion making it the highest annual total in Christie’s history. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's has since conducted the greatest and most celebrated auctions through the centuries providing a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie’s offers over 450 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie's also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War and Contemporary, Impressionist and Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery. Private sales totaled £465.2 million ($711.8 million) in the first half of 2013, an increase of 13% on the previous year, and for the third successive year represents the highest total for the period in both company and art market history.

Christie’s has a global presence with 53 offices in 32 countries and 12 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Mumbai. More recently, Christie’s has led the market with expanded initiatives in growth markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, Mumbai and Dubai.

*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyer’s premium and do not reflect costs, financing fees or application of buyer’s or seller’s credits. # # # Images available on request

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