Brian James Griffin
photographer
Brian James Griffin (1948–2024) was a prominent British photographer known for his surrealist style and influential portraits of 1980s pop musicians. Born in Birmingham, he studied at the Manchester School of Art before moving to London, where he established himself as a corporate photography expert and later a music industry mainstay. He is credited with developing the photographic style of 'capitalist realism,' which drew on influences from Renaissance masters, Symbolism, and Surrealism, often utilizing film noir lighting. His work has been featured in publications such as Esquire and Rolling Stone, and his portraits are held in major collections including the Victoria and Albert Museum and the National Portrait Gallery. In 1989, he was named 'photographer of the decade' by The Guardian.[3,4,5]
- Capitalist realism
- Surrealism
- Pop music portraiture
Books
-
Work€109.00
Works by Brian James Griffin
- 1978 Brian Griffin Self-published edition of 500 copies.
- 1981 Power: British Management in Focus
- 1986 Open: Twenty One Photographs
- 1989 Work
- 2013 The Black Kingdom
- 2017 Pop
- 2018 Spud
- 2023 Mode
Exhibitions
- 1979 Three Perspectives on Photography
- 2010 The Black Country
- 2011 The Black Country
Awards
- 1989 Most Outstanding Award for Photography in a Book, Design and Art Direction (for Work)
- 1989 Photographer of the Decade
- 2013 Centenary Medal