André Kertész
Overview
André Kertész (1894 – 1985) is often considered to be the founder of the photo essay and is known for his creative crossing of the boundary between modernism and documentary. Born in Hungary he moved to Paris in 1925 and began working as a freelance photographer, capturing the streets with unorthodox angles and a distinctive style. In 1936, following social and political tensions in Europe, he moved to New York where he contracted to Condé Nast Publishing for twenty years. His work is often divided into Hungarian, French and American periods with his best-known work being the ‘Distortions’ series – innovative, distinctive and referencing the Surrealist influence of the time.
Featured Exhibitions
The Fork, Paris, 1928
Gelatin silver print, printed later ca. 1975
7.5 x 10 cm
Rue de Vaugirard, Paris, 1931
Gelatin silver print, printed 1960s
20.2 x 25.2 cm
Mains, 1919
Gelatin silver print, printed 1960s
12.1 x 17 cm
Champs Elysees, 1963
Gelatin silver print, printed ca. 1960s
9 x 6 1/2 in. (22.86 x 16.51 cm)
Champs-Elyees, 1930
Gelatin silver print, printed ca. 1950s
9 7/8 x 8 in. ( 25.08 x 20.32 cm)
Chez Mondrian, Paris, 1926
Gelatin silver print, printed ca. 1967
14 x 11 in. ( 35.56 x 27.94 cm)
Jardin des Tuileries, Paris, 1980
Gelatin silver print, printed ca. 1980
13 3/4 x 10 1/2 (34.93 x 26.67 cm)
Mondrian’s Pipe and Glasses, Paris, 1926
Gelatin silver print, printed ca. 1960s
8 x 10 in. ( 20.32 x 25.4 cm)
On the Quais, Paris, 1926
Gelatin silver print, printed ca. 1967
10 x 8 in. ( 25.4 x 20.32 cm)
Paris, October 24, 1963
Gelatin silver print, printed ca. 1963
9 1/8 x 5 3/4 in. ( 23.18 x 14.61 cm)
Sur le Quai, Paris, 1931
Gelatin silver print, printed ca. 1950s
8 1/4 x 10 in. ( 20.96 x 25.4 cm)
Distortion 165, Paris, 1933
Gelatin silver print, printed 1960s
20.4 x 25.3 cm
Distortion 157, Paris, 1933
Gelatin silver print, printed 1960s
Distortion 93, Paris, 1933
Gelatin silver print, printed 1970s