André Kertész | Bruce Silverstein Gallery
@ André Kertész. Paris from the Eiffel Tower, 1933. Gelatin silver print, printed c. 1933. 6 1/2 x 8 1/2 in (16.5 x 21.6 cm) © André Kertész, courtesy of the artist and Bruce Silverstein Gallery
Written by Sophie Mulgrew
Photo Edited by Billy Chen
The Visual Language of Modernity: The Early Photographs of André Kertész is a captivating exhibition that offers a rare glimpse into the formative years of one of photography's pioneering masters. Curated with care and expertise, this show presents a remarkable collection of André Kertész's early works, showcasing his mastery of composition, light, and visual storytelling. With a keen eye for capturing fleeting moments and an innate ability to imbue his images with profound emotion, Kertész's photographs exemplify the essence of modernity in the early 20th century.
@ André Kertész. Chez Mondrian, Gelatin silver print tipped to period vellum, printed c. 1926 © André Kertész, courtesy of the artist and Bruce Silverstein Gallery
Kertész's early photographs reveal his pioneering vision and experimental approach to the medium. The exhibition highlights his mastery of composition, utilizing unique angles, reflections, and framing techniques to create visually arresting images. From the juxtaposition of geometric shapes to the interplay of light and shadow, Kertész's photographs showcase his keen understanding of visual aesthetics. The technical excellence displayed in his prints is remarkable, considering the limitations of the equipment available during that time. Kertész has a particular eye for light, often making it the subject of his images. In one photo, the shadows of two patio chairs stretch across a sidewalk, much larger than the physical furniture itself. In another, the view through the door of a home is chopped up and disoriented in various angles of deep shadow and bright light.
@ André Kertész. Alexander Calder, Paris, 1929. Ferrotyped gelatin silver print mounted to board, printed c. 1950s. 8 3/4 x 7 3/4 in (22.2 x 19.7 cm) © André Kertész, courtesy of the artist and Bruce Silverstein Gallery
The exhibition's most compelling aspects are the narrative quality of Kertész's photographs. Each image tells a story, whether a glimpse into daily life on the streets of Paris or a contemplative self-portrait. The viewer is transported to a different era, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Kertész's photography was remarkable, infusing his photographs with intimacy and emotional depth.
@ André Kertész. Group of four men in trunks sitting on a ramp, Gelatin silver print, printed c. 1914. 3 x 4 1/8 in (7.9 x 10.5 cm) © André Kertész, courtesy of the artist and Bruce Silverstein Gallery
The exhibition not only celebrates Kertész's artistic brilliance but also offers valuable insights into the historical and cultural context of the early 20th century. The show provides informative texts and contextual materials that enhance the viewer's understanding of Kertész's work and its significance within the broader artistic movement of modernism. By showcasing Kertész's early photographs, the exhibition highlights his contribution to shaping the language and aesthetics of modern photography.
@ André Kertész. Untitled (Chair & Horn), 1936, Gelatin silver print, printed c. 1936. 13 5/8 x 10 3/8 in (34.6 x 26.4 cm) © André Kertész, courtesy of the artist and Bruce Silverstein Gallery
@ André Kertész. Chairs in the American Library, Paris, 1928. Gelatin silver print, printed c. 1928. 8 1/2 x 5 1/8 in (21.6 x 13 cm) © André Kertész, courtesy of the artist and Bruce Silverstein Gallery
The Visual Language of Modernity: The Early Photographs of André Kertész provides an insightful and vital look into the evolution of visual language in the 20th century. The show is a thrilling and informative exploration of Kertész's groundbreaking early contributions to photography.
