Paris Elliott ERWITT exhibit summerized in 4 classic pictures
From 23 March to 15 August 2023, the Musée Maillol in Paris presents a delightful retrospective of Elliott Erwitt (born 1928), one of the most important photographers of the 20th century. Famous for his dog portraits, he joined the Magnum agency in 1953, but in reality he travelled the world capturing the faces of the anonymous as well as the famous, such as Jackie Kennedy and Marylin Monroe. Children, Las Vegas showgirls, couples and beaches have also greatly inspired this keen observer of the human race.
Elliott Erwitt, Eiffel Tower centenary birthday, Paris, France, 1989 ©Elliott Erwitt/Magnum Photos
This famous image, reminiscent of “Chantons sous la pluie à la mode”, shows a couple embracing on the esplanade of the Trocadero, huddled under umbrellas blown away by a gust of wind, but it was not taken on the spot. It was meticulously created in 1989 for the hundredth anniversary of the Iron Lady. The man taking off in the foreground against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower is a professional choreographer.
Elliott Erwitt, New York City, 1974 ©Elliott Erwitt/Magnum Photos
A tireless and compulsive dog photographer, he has dedicated three books to them. “They don’t mind if you photograph them. They don’t complain and they don’t ask for prints,” he says mockingly, referring to these exemplary models whom he immortalizes by getting down to their level. This photograph, the first to be published, was commissioned by a well-known shoe brand.
Elliott Erwitt, « Misfits » shooting, Reno, Nevada, 1960 ©Elliott Erwitt/Magnum Photos.
As a set photographer, Erwitt was able to take advantage of his status to tame the small world of cinema.
Elliott Erwitt, Berkeley,Californie,1956 ©Elliott Erwitt/Magnum Photos
This is one of Elliott Erwitt’s iconic photographs, his “Kiss at City Hall”. A professional photographer by trade and an amateur photographer by vocation, he has the art, like Doisneau, of capturing moments of grace, the same tender and attentive look at his fellow human beings. Taken in 1956 for “Life” magazine, this photo “was not staged. I know these people. They were kissing in their car. I was right next to them,” says the author.