Lehmann Maupin is pleased to present YUL, Yul Brynner: A Photographic Journey, on view at 201 Chrystie Street, September 12 – 25 2010. YUL is an exhibition comprised of 70 works celebrating the release of the book by the same title, which presents Brynner's photographic oeuvre for the first time. Brynner's reputation as one of the twentieth century's most charismatic and versatile actors is irrefutable. But his talent as a photographer has been relatively unknown and unacknowledged, until now. The four-volume book, published by Edition 7L and edited by Brynner's daughter Victoria Brynner, comprises a selection made from 8,000 images and press cuttings, and includes forwards by Ingrid Sischy, Stefano Tonchi, Martin Scorsese and Bruce Weber.
Brynner's subjects are some of the most pivotal figures of cinematic and stage history. His talent lies in capturing these people at ease, particularly actors, who are known to disguise their true persona when faced with a camera. These intimate photos were taken both on and off set: Charlton Heston as Moses in The Ten Commandments, Audrey Hepburn in a gondola in Venice, Elizabeth Taylor relaxing poolside. YUL also includes candid shots of Brynner's family.
Lehmann Maupin's exhibition will feature photographs chosen from each of the four volumes: "Lifestyle", "Life on Set", "1956", and "Man of Style." The exhibition accompanying the release of the book, commemorates the twenty-fifth anniversary of Brynner's death. YUL is a celebration of Brynner's life through his photographic legacy. The book also paints a complex portrait of the man himself. Yul Brynner was an actor, director, musician and photographer.
Brynner is best known for his depiction on stage and screen of King Mongkut in The King and I, for which he won both Academy and Tony Awards. Brynner's other films include The Ten Commandments (1956), Anastasia (1956), The Buccaneer (1958), The Magnificent Seven (1960) and Westworld (1973).
