André Kertész

André Kertész (1894 – 1985) is considered one of the seminal figures of 20^thcentury photography. He is regarded as one of the fathers of photojournalism and street photography, but is also known for his groundbreaking contributions to photographic compositions using unorthodox camera angles, distortions, and style. By combining a seemingly artless spontaneity with a sophisticated understanding of composition, André Kertész developed and fostered a unique and intimate style of image making.

Born Kertész Andor in Budapest, he received his first camera in 1912.  At the early age of 18, he began experimenting with the medium by taking portraits of family and friends, as well as studies of the Hungarian countryside and scenes of daily life behind the battle lines of World War I. Intent on becoming a serious photographer and making a living at it, he moved to Paris in 1925. He became a successful photojournalist and ingrained himself in the flourishing artist community in the city, making friends with painters, sculptures, filmmakers and photographers such as Fernand Léger, Alexander Calder, Maurice de Vlaminck, Man Ray, and Brassaï. Some of his most iconic images were created during this period of his career.

In 1936 Kertész and his wife, Elizabeth, relocated to New York. He freelanced for Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Life, House & Garden among others. He felt a sense of alienation in his new surroundings.  Despite his acclaim and popularity throughout Europe, André Kertész initially felt a cool reception in the United States until then-newly appointed MOMA Department of Photography head John Szarkowski offered him a solo show in 1964. The retrospective exhibition spanned the entirety of André Kertész's photography career. Throughout his later life, Kertész's work was featured in many exhibitions throughout the world. After his death in 1985, he continued to be honored and collected by major museums and galleries worldwide.