PRINCE: A London Private Viewing with Afshin Shahidi

PRINCE: A London Private Viewing with Afshin Shahidi

Anjoman MEMBERS ONLY event

This was an exclusive chance to hear remarkable stories from Prince's longest serving personal photographer. Released in late 2017, Afshin's book showcases rare and intimate stills both on and off stage. And for the first time, Afshin was offering limited edition fine art photography from his book to the public, as well as a few never seen before images.

Iranian-born Shahidi met the musician in their shared hometown of Minneapolis back in 1993 at Prince's renowned recording studio, lyrically portrayed by the artist as "there aren't any rules in Paisley Park". Initially working as a cinematographer, Shahidi's passion for creating still images was obvious to Prince who soon after invited him to photograph his then band, the New Power Generation.

After a trial period, and satisfied with the essence, Prince asked Shahidi to become his official still photographer. In this position, Shahidi captured Prince on stage and at play, in highly styled settings and in candid situations. He travelled with Prince from Panama, to Morocco, to London and beyond. The relationship between the two transitioned from professional peers, to duelling conversationalists, to trusted companions. Ultimately, Shahidi's unique access to the notoriously inaccessible Prince gave him the opportunity to create indelible images of the icon.