Richard Kern

ABOUT RICHARD KERN

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.

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.

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. 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.

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

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.