LONDON, UK.- Sony Ericsson Proud Galleries presents "James Dean - The Iconic Images of Phil Stern," on view through June 24, 2005. Alongside Marilyn Monroe and Elvis, James Dean formed part of a pop culture ‘trinity’ that changed the face of post-war America forever. Phil Stern was the leading photojournalist of that era. His images brought American celebrity culture in to focus, personifying these icons as symbols of the golden age of America.

As the ultimate rebel pin up, James Dean became an inspiration to scores of disenfranchised teenagers. He remains the emblem of eternal rebellious youth, and to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of his death Stern’s legendary archive will be exhibited for the first time at Sony Ericsson Proud Central in James Dean – the Iconic Images of Phil Stern. Featuring over 40 works – including a series of unseen images lost for over forty years – this exhibition will portray Dean in his most diverse forms, both physically and characteristically, bringing together iconic portraits of Dean posing moodily on his motorbike, with rare shots of the screen idol laughing onset, and socialising at Googies Coffee Shop on Sunset Boulevard.

Capturing Dean at the peak of his illustrious career (1950 – 55), these images expose the incredible dynamic between the photographer and his infamous subject. Stern’s incredible empathy with his young friend allowed him to capture Dean in his fullest capacity, not only as the enduring American idol - the sultry rebel hero for which he is best remembered - but also as a humorous, intimate and gentle young man. Blending the iconic with the unseen, James Dean - the Iconic Images of Phil Stern will present an extraordinary impression of the world’s most enigmatic screen idols, and will mark Stern’s first major UK retrospective. It will provide a rare opportunity to purchase unusual works by one of the world’s most celebrated photographers (prices start from £700 for a limited edition signed print ), and will complement perfectly a host of events taking place throughout the year to celebrate the life, and death, of a legend.