Richard Kern

Photographer

Birthday December 20, 1954

Birth Sign Sagittarius

Birthplace North Carolina

Age 70 years old

#314,149 Most Popular

About

Photographer, filmmaker, and writer known for his provocative and transgressive photography, for directing short films and music videos, and for being part of the New York City Underground during the 1980s and 1990s. His art explores themes of sexuality, violence, and subversion and has been showcased worldwide, including at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and The Whitney Museum.

Before Fame

He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1977 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. He relocated to New York City in 1978 to pursue his career in photography.

Trivia

He directed the music video for Marilyn Manson's song "Lunchbox" and Sonic Youth's "Death Valley '69." He has authored several photobooks including New York Girls, Action, and Shot By Kern. 

Family Life

He was born and raised in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.

Associated With

He has frequently collaborated with Lydia Lunch who appeared in several of his short films, such as Fingered and The Right Side of My Brain.