Corbijn, Anton

“He’s been behind the camera forever. A friend of the light. Does he have a pact with the heavens? Do they tell him secrets? The language of light? He somehow travels on the same frequency. Respectfully engaging with the source.” — Samantha Morton

“Most portraitists kill their subjects. He keeps them alive. He doesn’t want to freeze you in time. He’s made portraiture sexy again, but not stupid. Vulnerable but never weak.” — Marlene Dumas

The ultimate showcase of photographer and filmmaker Anton Corbijn’s iconic work, spanning from the 1970s to today.

Anton Corbijn (b. 1955) is one of the most important photographers and directors working today, renowned for his iconic portraits of musicians, actors, and artists, as well as his distinctive visual work in music videos and album covers. 

This gloriously illustrated, oversized book pays homage to Corbijn’s love for the arts – an interest that has led to lifelong friendships with Bono, Nick Cave, Tom Waits, Michael Stipe, Dave Gahan, and other iconic musicians. Looking back over five decades, it features hundreds of creative, offbeat images that Corbijn was able to capture largely as a result of his close relationships with his subjects.

Corbijn, Anton highlights and rediscovers iconic images, celebrating his legacy and lasting influence on visual art and pop culture to this day.

With text contributions by Adam Clayton (U2), Anton Corbijn, Marlene Dumas, Johan Faes, Samantha Morton and Tom Waits.

This publication accompanies a grand retrospective exhibition at Fotografiska Stockholm, from 13 June until 12 October 2025. The exhibition will be travelling to Fotografiska Berlin, Tallinn and Shanghai.

Anton Corbijn is a Dutch photographer, filmmaker, and video artist. He is best known for his black-and-white portraits of artists shot with slow shutter speeds to allow for the subtle movements and gestures of his subjects. “I feel the imperfection is much closer to how life is than perfection,” the artist has said. Born Anton Johannes Gerrit Corbijn van Willenswaard on May 20, 1955 in Strijen, Netherlands, Corbijn began shooting local bands at the age 17, before moving to London to work for NME magazine as a staff photographer. He has directed over 80 music videos for a number of musicians, including Nirvana, U2, Depeche Mode, and Joy Division.