Outstanding photographs captured by a prominent photographer are the subject of the 2015 ZEISS Art Calendar. The theme this time was inspired by the world of opera: Opera with a Twist. The images are the composition of Douglas Kirkland, the Hollywood photographer who has captured countless major films with movie stills. Many of his images have become veritable icons in movie history, e.g. in 2001 A Space Odyssey, Out of Africa or Titanic.
For this unique project, Kirkland teamed up with two of the most famous world opera stars: Cecilia Bartoli and Rolando Villazón. He shows the Italian soprano and the Mexican tenor in images that capture emotional moments: sometimes mellow, sometimes playful, then suddenly with just a hint of histrionic artifice. Whatever the setting, the two stars form a duo who radiate energy and fervor at all times – the perfect couple, despite the fact that they had never performed together before.
In front of Kirkland's camera they are the protagonists in everyday moments, partly dramatic, partly with a subtle twist, at unusual locations – a supermarket, a launderette or a picnic, for example – in the Mozart city of Salzburg.
Connoisseurs may immediately recognize scenes from the works of Bellini, Bizet, Mozart, Rossini or Wagner in Kirkland's unique images. The photographer has cleverly incorporated allusions to these memorable moments in his work of photographic art.
As well as the 12 full-size pictures of the months, the 2015 ZEISS Art Calendar contains information on the history of its creation and the stars which lend the calendar its special character.
As was also the case with previous editions by Wim Wenders, Bryan Adams, Ellen von Unwerth, Michel Comte and Mary McCartney, the 2015 ZEISS Art Calendar has been produced in a strictly limited edition for the customers of ZEISS. It is not available over the counter.
Image: Hollywood photographer Douglas Kirkland during the photo shoot for the ZEISS Art Calendar 2015 with opera stars Cecilia Bartoli and Rolando Villazón. Photo: Courtesy of Crossover
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