Corbijn, Anton

by Anton Corbijn (Photographer), Tom Waits (Contributor), Marlene Dumas (Contributor)

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 rock and roll – 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 three 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.

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

With text contributions by Tom Waits, Marlene Dumas, Samantha Morton, Adam Clayton (U2), Mattie Boom (Rijksmuseum Amsterdam), and an interview with the photographer.

553 pages, Hardcover

First published June 13, 2025

About the author

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. In 2015, the artist was the subject of the exhibition “Anton Corbijn 1-2-3-4” at the Fotomuseum Den Haag, which included over 300 of his most iconic images. Living and working in The Hague, Netherlands, Corbijn is currently focused on feature-length films.

Reviews

[Dragan Nanic · Rating 5 out of 5]

"For me that's what it was always about: what is there below the surface?"

In these new times, there isn't much probing into what lies beneath the surface. That is why Anton Corbijn is great. It is not about technical mastery and it is not about the elaborate setup. It is about catching the essence, getting close to the people and seeing right into them. Their intensity might leave the image blurry, but that brings that same intensity in focus. That is what it means to be the artist - there is no other choice.

Retrospective of a great master, with a lot of unforgettable (and iconic) images. Something to get back to regularly.