For more than a decade Todd Eberle has been photographer at large for Vanity Fair, responsible for setting the aesthetic for the magazine: one of stoic beauty.
“Empire of Space”, published by Rizzoli, is Eberle’s retrospective collection, covering his thirty-some years as a photographer.
But this isn’t just your average portfolio. Inspired by one of photographer Walker Evan’s old volumes, Eberle orders his pictures to mirror each other.
This editing technique offers a rare chance to get inside the mind of the photographer, to see what Eberle sees when he takes a snapshot.
Some images become strikingly similar. For example the two portraits of Martha Stewart are almost identical. Even though the first was taken in 2001, with the Twin Towers in the background of her office, she remains unchanged in 2006. It’s almost as if Eberle is commenting on Martha’s persona, one of permanence.
In addition to portraits, the book focus heavily on architecture. Eberle places the United Nations building next to an out-dated computer he shot in a museum. The social commentary speaks for itself.
This book gave me a completely new outlook on photography. Context is everything when it comes to art, which is a great lesson in home decorating.
Hopefully you can find inspiration from “Empire of Space” for the next time you hang art in your home.
1 I love the dramatic nature of this sculpture. It’s riveting. The River, Aristide Maillol (cast 1948), The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden, The Museum of Modern Art, New York City, January 2009. “Empire of Space”, Rizzoli.
2 I think it looks even better in natural setting, shown here at Martha’s own home in Maine. The River, Aristide Maillol (cast 1948), Martha Stewart’s Garden, Skylands, Northeast Harbor, Maine, June 2001.”Empire of Space”, Rizzoli.
3 This room was a part of a house Martha used to own. The modern aesthetic is may be surprising to some. Bunshaft House, Gordon Bunshaft, East Hampton, New York, July 1996. “Empire of Space”, Rizzoli.
4 The room was gutted in order to build a basement. Bunshaft House, Gordon Bunshaft, East Hampton, New York, July 2004. “Empire of Space”, Rizzoli.
5 This heirloom tomato is a refreshing burst of color. Heirloom Tomato, West Cornwall, Connecticut, April 2005. “Empire of Space”, Rizzoli.
6 This is such a great sculpture. Against the backdrop of Versailles, it is breathtaking. Balloon Flower (Yellow) (1995-2000), Jeff Koons, Versailles, France, September 2008. “Empire of Space”, Rizzoli.
7 Not the most appetizing lunch to me, but the staging is quite interesting. Lunch on Air Force One, Mid-air Between Washington, DC and Little Rock, Arkansas, January 2001. “Empire of Space”, Rizzoli.
8 I can’t get over the red on the record. It has an almost patent sheen to it. Rek-O-Kut “Rondine” Turntable (circa 1958), San Francisco, California, September 2001. “Empire of Space”, Rizzoli.
9 The lighting outside this window is perfect. It’s like the viewer is about to step out into paradise. Window, Maison à Bordeaux (1998), Rem Koolhaas/OMA, Bordeaux, France, May 1998. “Empire of Space”, RIzzoli.
10 This reflecting pool reminds me of the inspiration for my ceiling project. Pool and Atrium, Benesse Art Site (1992), Tadao Ando, Naoshima Island, Japan, February 2002. “Empire of Space”, Rizzoli.
11 The details on this ceiling are amazing. Ceiling, Tony Duquette House, Beverly Hills, California, January 1999. “Empire of Space”, Rizzoli
12 This chandelier reminds me of a firework. Chandelier, Fontainbleau Hotel, Morris Lapidus, Miami Beach, Florida, January 2000. “Empire of Space”, Rizzoli.
13 The color of the cement seems to contrast nicely with the pink-hued sea in the background. Niteroi Museum of Art, Oscar Niemeyer, Rio De Janiero, August 2003. “Empire of Space”, Rizzoli.
14 Such a modern building, but there is something so natural about the shape. Disney Concert Hall, Frank O. Gehry, Los Angeles, California, June 2003. “Empire of Space”, Rizzoli.
15 Most religious places are old and dark. This is sleek and white. I think it’s the perfect space to symbolize the ascent to heaven. Stair, Novy Dvur Monastery (2004), John Pawson, Czech Republic, March 2005. “Empire of Space”, Rizzoli.
16 Another beautiful stairway. Stair, Pawson House (1995), John Pawson, London, England, July 1996. “Empire of Space”, Rizzoli.
17 The reflection against the building is what attracts my attention the most. Plaza, Seagram Building, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1954-58), New York City, April 2009. “Empire of Space”, Rizzoli.
18 I love the black space in this photograph. PDP-8/2 (Digital Equipment Corporation), computer (USA/IBM, 1954), Computer History Museum, Mountain View, California July 1999. “Empire of Space”, Rizzoli.
19 It’s almost as if this hall could go on forever. Shelters for Roman Archaeological Ruins (1986)m Peter Zumthor, Chur, Graubünden, Switzerland, June 2000. “Empire of Space”, Rizzoli.
20 The light in this apartment is picturesque. 40 Mercer Street Apartment (2007), Jean Nouvel, New York City, June 2007. “Empire of Space”, Rizzoli.
21 I love the sumptuous colors used in this room. What a great palette! Nan Kempner’s Library with L’Enfance d’Icare (1960), René Magritte, and Gabhan O’Keefe Sofa, New York City, March 1998. “Empire of Space”, Rizzoli.
22 This room is so straight-forward. The black monotone is a great contrast to the beautiful panelling. Tom Ford’s Study with Ad Reinhardt Painting, London, February 2004. “Empire of Space”, Rizzoli.
23 I like how you can see all of the brushstrokes with this close-up. Detail, Picasso Painting (1925), Private Collection, New York City, August 2003. “Empire of Space”, Rizzoli.
24 What an interesting contrast. It mirrors the Picasso painting perfectly. Painted Ceiling (circa 1968), attributed to John Chamberlain, New York City, April 2007. “Empire of Space”, Rizzoli.
25 What regal dogs. Whippets, New Jersey, August 1996. “Empire of Space”, Rizzoli.
26 Powerful women posed almost identically to the dogs from the previous picture. How amazing. Susan Sontag, Barbara Epstein, Elizabeth Hardwick, Joan Didion, New York City, May 1999. “Empire of Space”, Rizzoli.
Home Design with Kevin Sharkey
