Fragile Beauty Exhibition.

I recently made a flying visit to London to see the Fragile Beauty exhibition at the V&A. Curated from the personal photography collection of Elton John and David Furnish, the exhibition turned out to be a deeply moving exploration of themes such as photojournalism, fame, and idols, among others.

The photographs on display were as diverse as they were powerful, each one capturing a moment, a face, or a story that transcended its frame. Many of the images, particularly those tied to photojournalism, carried a striking poignancy. They didn’t merely document; they communicated profound truths about human experience, resilience, and vulnerability.

Elton John and David Furnish’s curatorial vision reflects their lifelong passion for the power of photography to connect, provoke, and inspire. The collection offered glimpses into the complexities of fame, exploring not just its allure but also its fragility and the cost of idolisation. This theme resonated strongly with me as I moved through the exhibition, finding parallels between the narratives in these photographs and the emotional weight I aim to convey in my own artwork.

Some photographs were almost overwhelming in their impact. Their rawness and humanity made me pause to absorb the emotions they stirred - grief, awe, hope, and sometimes even discomfort. One image, in particular, of a jumper from the 9/11 attacks in New York, was so emotional and raw that it caught in my throat, leaving me no choice but to step away. Yet, in contrast, other images - especially those in the fashion portion of the exhibition - offered a sense of liberation and lightness. They gave a public lens to moments and expressions that might otherwise have remained private, celebrating individuality and defiance.

These juxtapositions of stark contrasts and unfiltered truths encapsulated the essence of fragile beauty that gives the exhibition its name.

As I left the exhibition, I felt a renewed appreciation for photography as an art form. Much like painting, it captures not just the surface but also the essence of a moment or a subject. Fragile Beauty reminded me that art, in any medium, has the power to communicate universal truths while remaining deeply personal.

This exhibition was more than a visual experience; it was an emotional journey. It left a lasting impression on me, shaping how I think about storytelling, the role of vulnerability in art, and the importance of capturing the human spirit in all its complexity.