Andre Kertesz The Father of Photojournalism

By Tyler Vuylsteke

Andre Kertesz (1894 – 1985)• Kertesz was a Hungarian-born photographer known for his

groundbreaking contributions to photographic composition and by his efforts in establishing and developing the photo essay (Wikipedia)

• Kertesz’s work had an important influence on photojournalism and the art of photography. Kertesz was not only able to witness much of the beginnings of hand-held photography, but had a profound effect on it. Kertesz took full advantage of a medium not yet sure of its own potential, and for that, contemporary photography remains in his debt (PBS: Public Broadcasting Service)

• Kertesz was one of the first photographers who incorporated several elements of photographic design into his work including: shooting from oblique angles, cropping images in unconventional ways, shooting at night, and using mirror images, reflections and shadows

Hungary

Here is one of his earlier pieces where he is able to capture a male swimmer underwater, viewed from above, streaking through the water.

Underwater swimmer, 1917

Image Source: HIGHER PICTURES >> Viewer >> Andre Kertesz >> Hungary >> Underwater Swimmer. Estergrom, Hungary

Paris The Paris years were a highlight for Kertesz. He was able to elevate everyday objects into elegant formal works of art which seem to suggest meaning far beyond their parts. This was when he took many of his iconic pictures, including a portrait of Piet Mondrian that does not include the painter, just two pairs of eyeglasses and his pipe…

Mondrian's Pipe and Glasses, 1926

Image Source: HIGHER PICTURES >> Viewer >> Andre Kertesz >> Paris >> Modrian's Pipe and Glass, Paris

Paris

Chez Mondrian, 1926

Image Source: http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/2005/kertesz/kertesz_ss7.shtm

…the entrance to Mondrian’s studio, with its staircase, flower vase and hat hanging on the wall…

Paris

The Fork, 1928

Image Source: HIGHER PICTURES >> Viewer >> Andre Kertesz >> Paris >> Fork

…a fork resting on the edge of a plate (Paris Update).

ParisAn example of Kertesz’s ability to use the element of camera angle. This image is taken from above at an oblique angle, with circular patterns formed by the shadows of the streetlamp and stripes by the shadows of the benches (Paris Update).

Square Jolivet at Night, 1927

Image Source: http://www.bulgergallery.com/dynamic/fr_artwork_display.asp?ArtworkID=1928&Body=Paris

Paris

He seemed to have the ability to capture the feeling of movement in his work, by simply knowing instinctively the right exposure to use. As a result creating images with no obvious blur or harshness but instead making almost impressionistic pictures (Urban Photography Art).

Eiffel Tower (Summer Storm), 1927

Image Source: http://www.bulgergallery.com/dynamic/fr_artwork_display.asp?ArtworkID=3317&Body=Paris

Paris

Here is one of his more well known pieces of work, "Clock of the Académie Française" (1929). In this photo the black numerals of an antique clock face are layered over a bird's-eye view of the city. (The New York Times).

Clock of the Académie Française, 1929

Image Source: http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/2005/kertesz/kertesz_ss12.shtm

ParisThroughout the 1930s he remained in Paris studying the people and their inhabitation of the streets, and the play of light and shadow that so dramatically filled the urban landscape. (PBS: Public Broadcasting Service.)

Under the Eiffel Tower, 1929

Image Source: http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/2005/kertesz/kertesz_ss13.shtm

Paris

Kertesz's work itself is often described as predominantly utilizing light and even Kertesz himself said that "I write with light“ (Wikipedia).

Painting his shadow, 1927

Image Source: http://www.higherpictures.com/ImageViewer.aspx?id=385&s=42

Distortion

In 1933 Kertész was commissioned for the series, Distortion, about 200 photographs of Najinskaya Verackhatz and Nadia Kasine, two models portrayed nude and in various poses, with their reflections caught in a combination of distortion mirrors (Wikipedia).

Image Source: http://www.bulgergallery.com/dynamic/fr_artwork_display.asp?ArtworkID=1931&Body=Distortions

Distortion #34, Paris, 1933

Distortion

Distortion #147, 1933

Image Source: http://www.bulgergallery.com/dynamic/fr_artwork_display.asp?ArtworkID=3121&Body=Distortions

New York

Washington Square Park, 1954

In 1952, he and his wife moved to New York, near Washington Square Park. Using a telephoto lens, he took a series of snow-covered Washington Square, showing numerous silhouettes and tracks (Wikipedia).

Image Source: http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/2005/kertesz/kertesz_ss18.shtm

New York

Disappearing Act, 1955

Image Source: http://www.higherpictures.com/ImageViewer.aspx?id=350&s=46

Accomplishments• 1983- honorary Doctorate from the Royal College of Art; and title of Chevalier de

la Légion d'honneur in Paris

• 1984- the Maine Photographic Workshop's first Annual Lifetime Achievement Award

• 1984- purchase of 100 prints by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, its largest acquisition of work from a living artist

• 1985- Californian Distinguished Career in Photography Award

• 1985- first Annual Master of Photography Award, presented by the International Center of Photography

• 1985- honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Parson's School of Design of the New School for Social Research

(Wikipedia)

Resources"Andre Kertesz - About Andre Kertesz | American Masters." PBS: Public Broadcasting Service. 13

Jan. 1999. Web. 24 Nov. 2010. <http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/episodes/andre-kertesz/about-andre-kertesz/645/>.

"Andre Kertesz - An Influential and Inspiring Photographer." Urban Photography Art. Web. 23 Nov. 2010. <http://www.urban-photography-art.com/andre-kertesz.html>.

"Andre Kertesz." Brown University. Web. 24 Nov. 2010. <http://www.brown.edu/Facilities/David_Winton_Bell_Gallery/kertesz.html>.

"André Kertész." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 24 Nov. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/André_Kertész>.

Ellison, Heidi. "Andre Kertesz." Paris Update. 10 Oct. 2010. Web. 23 Nov. 2010. <http://www.paris-update.com>.

Johnson, Ken. "Unmasking a Chameleon of the Lens." The New York Times. 25 Feb. 2005. Web. 23 Nov. 2010. <http://www.nytimes.com/>.