Richard Corman’s 1983 photoshoot with Madonna came about thanks to a unique introduction. At the time, Corman’s mother, Cis Corman, was a casting director working on a project with Martin Scorsese. Madonna had auditioned for a part in the film, though she didn’t get the role. Cis was struck by Madonna's charisma and suggested to her son, who was then an emerging photographer, that he should photograph her.
When Richard met Madonna, she was still an up-and-coming artist living in New York’s East Village. She hadn’t yet released her debut album but was already making waves in the underground music scene with her bold personality and style.
In the images, Madonna’s style perfectly encapsulates the DIY, punk-inflected aesthetic of the early '80s. She wore layered outfits, fingerless gloves, chunky jewelry, and the tousled hair that became a hallmark of her look. The boombox in some shots wasn’t just a prop—it was a symbol of the street culture that influenced her music and persona.
Corman has described Madonna as incredibly confident, self-assured, and magnetic during that shoot. Even before she became the Queen of Pop, she exuded star power. These photos remain a visual record of a pivotal moment before her meteoric rise, showing her raw energy and ambition.
Richard Corman went on to have a successful career photographing many notable figures, but his Madonna series holds a special place in his portfolio. The images have since been exhibited and published, celebrated for capturing a cultural icon at the beginning of her journey.
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