Miles Aldridge in Fotografiska Talinn

On 22 April, Fotografiska opens an exhibition by the photographer Miles Aldridge, titled "Virgin Mary. Supermarkets. Popcorn. Photographs 1999–2020". This is an extensive retrospective by an artist known by his arresting, highly-stylized photographs. Miles Aldridge's work includes witty references to film noir, pop culture and art history.

‍Among the main themes in his work are false expectations and promises in the contemporary world, revolving around consumer culture. His photos present psychedelic interiors, seemingly composed of captivating items from American suburbs of mid-20th century – all to demonstrate the wealth of the owner. Scenes of domesticity are often underlined with a bitter sweetness – this is a reflection of Aldridge's own childhood memories of his mother after his parents' crushing divorce. He only rarely allows the real world to intervene in his art – through his lens, even reality seems fake. Maarja Loorents, exhibition manager at Fotografiska Tallinn says that Miles Aldridge's retrospective, chosen as the main exhibition of this summer, showcases Hollywood glam but equally so the artist's deep love of classical Italian painting. "Miles' work is much deeper and more multifaceted than it may look at the first glance. He is inspired by classical artists such as Michelangelo and Caravaggio. The parallels become clearly evident in his Virgin May series, where hyperrealist, beautiful women are surrounded by religious symbols and references," adds Loorents. Aldridge believes that "fiction and theatricality may be closer to truth than documented reality" and so he creates detailed settings that suggest a longer narrative and seem like cut out stills. Born in London in 1964, Miles Aldridge’s interest in photography began at an early age when he was given a Nikon F camera by his father, Alan Aldridge, the famed art-director. After studying graphic design, Aldridge worked as an illustrator and directed music videos. He has also collaborated with the Italian Vogue and the legendary editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani for a long time. The exhibition includes more than 50 works on film and portrays celebrities like Sophie Turner, Viola Davis, Michael Fassbender and Donatella Versace. Many of Aldridge's portraits are part of the collection of National Portrait Gallery in London, but his works can be found in other renowned international museums and institutions, such as the V&A and the British Museum in London; Fondation Carmignac and Palais Galliera in Paris; Davis Museum Wellesley College in Massachusetts; International Centre of Photography in New York.