Jonathan de Villiers Biography

Paris-based Jonathan de Villiers is often praised for his originality in his photographic practice, and when given editorial assignments, attempts to create ‘edgy’ work that is innovative and against the norm. Whether fashion portraiture, stunning architectural structures or rare landscape shots, de Villiers always delivers with perfectly executed, brilliant representations.

De Villiers grew up in London. Before becoming a professional photographer he studied philosophy and worked as a printer and a civil servant. Editorial assignments have been for publications including Wallpaper*, The NY Times and L’Officiel. Winner of the Arles ‘No Limits’ prize for his critical fashion work, his photographs have been exhibited widely, including at the ICA, Victoria and Albert Museum and Photographer’s Gallery in London; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Seibu Gallery, Tokyo, Forde Gallery Geneva; Hyeres Festival, France etc.

In 2008, De Villiers’ work was shown alongside 21 leading fashion photographers, including Helmut Newton, Mario Testino, Richard Avedon, Juergen Teller and Nick Knight, at The Photographers Gallery, London in the ‘Fashion in the Mirror: Self-Reflection in fashion Photography’ exhibition.

Manila is a shot of the spectacular lobby of architect Leandro Locsin’s Cultural Center of the Philippines in Manila, taken whilst de Villiers was on assignment there in 2005. The institution was sponsored by the then first lady Imelda Marcos as part of an ambitious post war construction program for the city.

Cape Town is a view of the houses above the beaches of Clifton, one of Cape Town’s most exclusive and expensive suburbs. This photograph was shot in December 2003 as part of a 12 page story on the city.