The American West through portraiture
Richard Avedon. In the American West. 1979–1984 runs at Palazzo Esposizioni Roma from 9 October 2026 to 31 January 2027. Faces, clothing and posture become the centre of photographs about people of the American West. Spend time with one image, then compare it with the neighbouring portraits.
Commissioned by the Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth, the series was made between 1979 and 1984. Against a white background, the individual comes forward while the familiar idea of landscape gives way to close attention to a person. It is an engaging visit for anyone interested in how a portrait can speak about a period without elaborate surroundings.
Photographs and working traces
The exhibition brings together all 110 prints prepared for the book, alongside material from The Richard Avedon Foundation: handwritten notes, working Polaroids, documents about the sitters and correspondence. The finished image is seen beside traces of the process behind it. Clément Chéroux, director of the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson, is the curator.
Our editorial suggestion is to make two passes: first as a succession of encounters, then returning to the archive. This can reveal how a first impression changes after learning about a photograph’s creation.
The venue is Via Nazionale 194. For a visit up to 1 November, the operator specifies access to the exhibition and ticket office from the staircase at Via Milano 9a. Check current access, opening hours and tickets before travelling. The exhibition is already open on the review date.
Planning the journey
A trip from your hotel to the chosen venue starts at your actual accommodation address. Arrival at Fiumicino (FCO) or Ciampino (CIA), followed by travel to your accommodation, is a separate part of the journey. To discuss an event transfer, contact Hola Taxi with your chosen date, venue, departure address and passenger count. Discuss the return journey separately once your plans are clear.
Sources
Checked: 2026-10-21
