*Handle with Care,* 2018
Tim Walker (British, born 1970)
Models: Sgàire Wood, James Crewe, Karen Elson
Fashion: The Row, Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, Daniela Geraci, Sarah Bruylant, Molly Goddard London
Chromogenic print
© Tim Walker Studio

Written and Photo Edited by Wenjie (Demi) Zhao

Copy Edited by Kee’nan Haggen

In the still of the night, ethereal mannequins and shadowy spirits take form, their haunting beauty weaving a tapestry of midnight fantasies, whispers of enchantment and elegance lingering in the air. Every curve and fold is a tender caress of obsidian fabric, born of a realm where darkness and beauty entwine in a passionate embrace. Cloaked in shadows, these masterpieces unfurl a tale of dark romance, unlocking the mesmerizing exhibition at Getty Center — Tim Walker: Wonderful Things — on display from May 2 to August 20.

*Box of Delights,* 2018
Tim Walker (British, born 1970)
Model: James Spencer with a Unicorn in a Seventeenth-Century Casket Garden
Fashion: Ludovic de Saint Sernin Costume: Shona Heath
London Chromogenic print
© Tim Walker Studio

In the enchanting world of Tim Walker's fashion photography, the endless night, the allure of mystery, and the beauty within the fantastical realm await those bold enough to venture into the unknown. In 2016, Walker handpicked a collection of “wonderful things” at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, the world’s largest museum of applied and decorative arts. After that, he orchestrated a series of nine photoshoots inspired by the art and design objects of his choosing. This year, the Getty Museum invited Walker to devise a tenth photoshoot, drawing inspiration from two of its prized paintings.

*Pen and Ink,* 2017
Tim Walker (British, born 1970)
Model: Kiki Willems
Fashion: Chanel London
Chromogenic print
© Tim Walker Studio

Tim Walker’s works straddle the realms of art historian and photographer, endowing refreshing perspectives on the museum's collections through his evocative new creations. Breathing life into objects from the museum’s collections, Walker’s captivating photography blurs the boundaries between reality and fantasy, placing the extraordinary center stage. His images, meticulously crafted with the precision of a sculptor, resonate as symphonies of color, texture, and emotion.

His inspiration transcends the designs of Alexander McQueen, encompassing the vivid spirit of poet Dame Edith Sitwell, Aubrey Beardsley’s evocative illustrations, medieval illuminated pages, the sensuality of Cranach’s A Faun and His Family with a Slain Lion, and Bouts’ The Annunciation, the intricate textiles of Bayeux Tapestry, a golden embroideredcasket of secrets, and the vivid hues of South Asian paintings. In Walker’s art, the mannequins seem to come to life, their characters engaging in a glamorous, telepathic dance.

*Pen and Ink*, 2017
Tim Walker (British, born 1970)
Model: Duckie Thot and Aubrey’s Shadow
Fashion: Saint Laurent London
Chromogenic print
© Tim Walker Studio

*Why Not Be Oneself?*, 2018
Tim Walker (British, born 1970)
Model: Tilda Swinton
Fashion: Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Vela, UNOde50, A. Brandt + Son, Lisa Eisner Jewelry Renishaw Hall, Derbyshire
Chromogenic print
© Tim Walker Studio

Spanning ten intricately curated sections, this summer’s exhibition features museum collection objects, photographs, short films, and photographic sets, showcasing Walker’s artistic prowess and creative process. He uncovers the hidden truth and long-buried beauty concealed within the museum’s centuries-old artifacts. His subjects, like characters plucked from a fairy tale, beckon us to embark on a journey into the unknown, guided by wonder and curiosity.

“For me, beauty is everything. I’m interested in breaking down the boundaries that society has created, to enable more varied types of beauty and the wonderful diversity of humanity to be celebrated,” says Tim Walker.

Tim Walker: Wonderful Things pays homage to Walker’s unique contributions to image-making while simultaneously highlighting the work of his creative collaborators: set designers, stylists, makeup artists, models, and muses. Through a blend of fantasy, whimsy, and storytelling, Walker’s dreamy and surreal style merges fantastical elements with delicate artistry, weaving intricate narratives and inviting viewers to step into enchanting realms where the lines between reality and imagination dissolve. Swathed in layers of tulle and satin, Walker’s models sway gracefully, their movement akin to the haunting melody of a distant violin.