Tyra Banks Presents
15
Photographs by
Udo Spreitzenbarth
TYRA BANKS PRESENTS: 15
Photographs by: Udo Spreitzenbarth
A Tribute To The Supermodel
Super. Model. These two words linked together evoke the visages of women with extraordinary features,
height and skill. The age of the “Supermodel” reached a fever pitch when they ruled runways and
magazine covers in the late 80s and early 90s. Throughout the years, the term "Supermodel" has been
loosely bestowed. The true Supermodels are known simply by features like a mole, a singular moniker,
or an iconic strut. This exhibit honors those true Supermodels.
Portrayed by Tyra Banks in raw, un-retouched form, each model's physical features and signature style
were recreated using strictly makeup and hairstyling, lighting and strategic angles. Tyra has not been
retouched in any way. Her portrayal of models of all nationalities and skin tones takes the notion of
"black and white" beyond just a description of the photography.
Personifying inspirational Supermodels such as Cindy Crawford and Iman are exciting dreams come true
for Tyra, who studied their careers and used them as building blocks for her own. Banks also hails the
new wave of Supermodels who have resurrected the über model’s dimming star after actors and
musicians largely took over magazines covers and advertisements. New stunners like Kate Upton, the
only model since Tyra to appear on back to back Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue covers, is portrayed by
Banks doing her instant classic "Cat Daddy" and “Dougie” dance. High fashion legends in the making,
Karlie Kloss and Cara Delevingne, are also saluted as Supermodel muses by Tyra.
Tyra’s homage to the Supermodel was a challenging and humbling experience in which she is honored to
partake. Banks acknowledges that there are multitudes of Supermodels not represented in this exhibit.
Banks transformed into those Supermodels whom the creative crew felt she could emulate best.
In this exhibition, you will see Banks’ portrayal of Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, Linda Evangelista,
Kate Moss, Kate Upton , Karlie Kloss, Twiggy, Carmen Dell’Orefice, Cara Delevingne, Iman, Grace Jones,
Lauren Hutton, Jerry Hall, Brooke Shields and Tyra herself at age…15.
Creative Direction & Styling by: Ty-Ron Mayes
Hair by: Sher Rae
Makeup by: Valenté Frazier
About the Photographer
Udo Spreitzenbarth
Udo Spreitzenbarth is an international fashion and art photographer. Udo was born in Germany and
resides in New York City with his wife, model/actress Melissa Kurland. While studying architecture at the
Technische Universität Darmstadt, Udo developed an interest in modeling and fashion photography. It
was then that he realized his passion for being behind the camera. After his first year in New York City,
he shot his first billboard campaign that landed on a screen in Times Square. His editorial photography
has been featured in international issues of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan and
more. His art photography has received international acclaim with a successful series of solo exhibitions
in Berlin, Frankfurt, Shanghai, and Beijing.
About the Creatives
Ty-Ron Mayes (Stylist & Creative Director)
Ty-Ron Mayes has always had a unique sense of fashion, style and storytelling through clothing. He caught the eye
of his mentor, the late world renowned photographer, Francesco Scavullo. Ty-Ron worked closely with Scavullo and
Sean Byrnes, the iconic fashion editor of Cosmopolitan, to help them create many of the top fashion magazine covers
with celebrities such as Tyra Banks, Oprah Winfrey and Elle McPherson. Ty-Ron has styled photo shoots with many of
the most influential fashion photographers such as Udo Spreitzenbarth, David LaChapelle, Sante D’Orazio, Anne
Menke, amongst others. His editorial work can be seen in the international editions of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle,
Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire and Arise. He is presently a contributing editor to West East magazine. Ty-Ron’s recent
collaboration with Tyra Banks and Udo Spreitzenbarth resulted in an unprecedented eleven covers of Cosmopolitan
released worldwide. Ty-Ron is currently the Fashion Consultant to Tyra Banks for America’s Next Top Model, Cycle
20.
Valenté Frazier (Makeup Artist)
Emmy Award-Winner Valenté Frazier is considered one of the industry’s most talented and sought after celebrity
makeup artists. An accomplished artist in his own right, Valenté has worked with A-list clientele including Iman, First
Lady Michelle Obama, Heidi Klum, Angela Bassett and Rihanna to name a few. Whether creating clean, theatrical, red
carpet or editorial looks, his work has appeared on the pages of Italian Vogue, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Bazaar,
Seventeen, Arise and Essence. While working on America’s Next Top Model as Janice Dickinson’s makeup artist,
Valenté was requested to be Tyra Banks personal makeup artist for America’s Next Top Model and the Emmy Award
Winning Tyra Banks Show. Valenté–-who holds a B.A. degree in Fine Arts with a concentration in painting––has also
worked as host makeup artist on the morning talk show The View, as the National Makeup Artist and Lead Artist for
IMAN Cosmetics, and on several campaigns with Victoria’s Secret. Valenté continues to be an authority on makeup
worldwide as a keynote speaker and working in locations such as Paris, Milan, South Africa, Brazil, Japan, Australia,
China, and London.
Sher Rae (Hairstylist)
Sher Rae is an accomplished freelance hairstylist. She began under the wings of celebrity stylist Oribe Canales in
1997. Within the same year, Sher Rae obtained her New York state license in order to apprentice under him for four
years. She then traveled the globe to work backstage on couture shows in Paris and Milan, such as Valentino, Oscar
de la Renta, and Fendi. Upon completion of her apprenticeship, Sher Rae graduated to styling their salon clients such
as Naomi Campbell, Jennifer Lopez, and Christy Turlington. Sher Rae went on to do freelance work full time once she
was introduced to Tyra Banks whom she styled for seasons 1, 2, 3, and 4 of America’s Next Top Model. Sher Rae has
been collaborating with her partner, hair colorist and wig designer, Anthony Palermo for nearly 20 years. After
researching thousands of photos Anthony custom designed and colored each look for Tyra Banks Presents: 15. He
manipulated hairlines, textures, color and styles for this project knowing there would be no retouching. Sher Rae has
styled the tresses of amazing talents such as Penelope Cruz, Giselle Buendchen, Heidi Klum, Iman, and Adriana Lima.
With just seventeen years under her belt, Sher Rae has already made a mark in the high fashion hair industry. Sher
Rae is a young innovative hairstylist continuing to grow and perfect her craft.
Images of the Artwork
Tyra Tributes Cindy Crawford
Photographed on August 29, 2012
Tyra Tributes Cara Delevingne
Photographed on August 13, 2013
Tyra Tributes Karlie Kloss
Photographed on June 6, 2013
Tyra Tributes Jerry Hall
Photographed on August 29, 2012
Tyra Tributes Carmen Dell’Orefice
Photographed on June 6, 2013
Tyra Tributes Lauren Hutton
Photographed on September 19, 2012
Tyra Tributes Twiggy
Photographed on June 6, 2013
Tyra Tributes Claudia Schiffer
Photographed on September 19, 2012
Tyra Tributes Grace Jones
Photographed on August 13, 2013
Tyra Tributes Kate Moss
Photographed on September 19, 2012
Tyra Tributes Iman
Photographed on June 6, 2013
Tyra Tributes Brooke Shields
Photographed on August 29, 2012
Tyra Tributes Kate Upton
Photographed January 21, 2013
Tyra Tributes Linda Evangelista
Photographed on January 31, 2013
Tyra at 15
Photographed on August 13, 2013
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Tyra Banks Presents: 15
Images of Banks as 15 iconic supermodels
Photographs by Udo Spreitzenbarth
September 9-November 9, 2013
September 3, 2013, New York — Tyra Banks is pleased to announce the exhibition Tyra Banks Presents: 15
photographed by Udo Spreitzenbarth and styled by creative director Ty-Ron Mayes. 15 is a series of un-retouched
black and white photographs that capture Banks transformed into the embodiment of the iconic images of her
colleagues, competitors, and friends. When Spreitzenbarth and Mayes approached Banks in 2012 about working
on an art project together, Banks shared with them her vision of 15. The series then became a reality through artist
collaboration with hairstylist Sher Rae Tucker--a protégé of the legendary Oribe, and Emmy award-winning makeup artist Valente Frazier.
In the age of pixilated veils, there is no digital manipulation to the imagery. 15 is Tyra Banks in raw, un-retouched
images: the photography, styling, and transformative hair and make-up, along with Banks’ extraordinary ability to
emulate each character, takes the notion of “black and white” beyond the portrayed models’ varying ethnicity and
a description of the photographs.
A trademark feature—a birthmark, gap, or a prominent brow—comes to symbolize a model’s identity, character,
and brand in front of the camera or on the runway. Banks, Spreitzenbarth and the collaborators of 15 have
‘captured’ the likeness of her colleagues to address the powerful nature of these well-known symbols, while
reminding them that ‘imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.’
Named for the number of the iconic women portrayed, and the age at which Tyra Banks began her modeling
career, 15 includes interpretive images of Banks personifying the supermodels: Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista,
Lauren Hutton, Jerry Hall, Iman, Kate Moss, Twiggy, Brooke Shields, Claudia Schiffer, Carmen Dell'Orefice, and
Grace Jones. Banks also portrays the new wave of talent that has resurrected the genre: Kate Upton, Karlie Kloss,
and Cara Delevingne. Rounding out the 15, an adult Tyra emulates herself at 15 years old.
With the generous support of Chantelle and VeeV, Tyra Banks Presents: 15 will open on
September 9, 2013, with a VIP reception from 7-8pm followed by a general reception from 810pm at Jack Studios, 601 W 26 St. (12 FL), New York City
About Udo Spreitzenbarth
Udo Spreitzenbarth is an international fashion and art photographer. Spreitzenbarth was born in Germany and
currently lives in New York City with his wife, model/actress Melissa Kurland. While studying architecture at the
Technische Universität Darmstadt, Spreitzenbarth developed an interest in modeling and fashion photography. It
was then that he realized his passion for being behind the camera. After his first year in New York City, he shot his
first billboard campaign that landed on a screen in Times Square. His editorial photography has been featured in
Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan and more. His art photography has received international
acclaim with a successful series of solo exhibitions in Berlin, Frankfurt, Shanghai, and Beijing.
Selection of Tyra 15
International Press
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Invitation
Impressions of
NYC Opening