Mario Testino

Mario Testino is one of the world’s most influential photographers. His work has been featured across the globe in the world’s greatest magazines from Vogue to Vanity Fair, and he has contributed to the success of many leading fashion and beauty houses through advertising campaigns, from Burberry and Gucci to Dolce & Gabbana and Versace.

Testino has had many successful exhibitions of his photography in museums and galleries around the world. His 2002 exhibition, Portraits by Mario Testino, remains the highest attended exhibit on record at the National Portrait Gallery in London, and in 2010, he became one of the few living artists ever invited to exhibit work at the renowned Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid. Testino will open his first museum show in the United States in October 2012 with an exhibit at the prestigious Museum of Fine Art in Boston.

Testino, who was born in Lima, Peru, has received international awards and recognition for his achievements, including his country’s highest honor, the Grand Cross Order of Merit, presented to him by the President of Peru, and the Medalha Tiradentes from the state of Rio de Janeiro.

2012 will bring the realization of Testino’s next project, MATE, an Association in his hometown of Lima, Peru, that carries his name with a mission to promote culture to both local and international audiences through artistic programs. Testino’s less public face is that of being a creative entrepreneur. He has recently established a creative agency both in London and São Paulo to channel his 30 years of success and experience in the business of building and developing brand names in the luxury arena. He has long been a passionate supporter of AIDS causes. At amfAR’s Cinema Against AIDS gala in Cannes, his generous contributions to the auction raised just under $1 million in a single evening.