Andre Kertesz @ National Gallery of Art

The Andre Kertesz show on display at the National Gallery of Art until May 15 is a fantastic little show. Comprised of approximately 113 photographs, this exhibition covers Kertez's remarkable 70-year career. And what a career it was!! The NGA Web site states this about the show:

"...André Kertész (1894-1985) made some of the most deceptively simple yet compelling and poetic photographs that have ever been created."

That sums it up pretty well. These snapshots initially come off as pictures that anyone with a camera could take. And honestly, when I walked into the first gallery, I had that exact reaction. But, upon closer examination and prolonged thought, I found an abundance of beauty, sophistication and genius. In Kertesz's photographs there is a subtle, yet distinct, rythmic language of line, shape, tone and meaning. Much like Henri Cartier-Bresson, Kertesz mastered the art of capturing a specific, unique moment in time. These are images that anyone can appreciate because the captured scenes are a part of everyday life. Kertesz's eye was so good that he could see a monumental scene - one that would surely be overlooked by almost anyone else - and snap a well-composed photograph. When I finished viewing the show I couldn't help but think to myself, during this time of huge, brightly colored c-prints, that I wish we had more photography like this today. Again, although the works are deceptively simple, I think it takes an enormous amount of talent and vision to execute photographs of this quality. In general, the images in this exhibition are quite small, some as small as 2" x 3". There is nothing else to make these photographs work... not the potential crutch of enormous size, bright colors, excessive digital manipulation, etc. These are just images and a great many of them are extremely successful.

Here are a few of my favorites:

The Dancing Faun
gelatin silver print
2 1/4" x 3 7/8"
1919

Chez Mondrian
gelatin silver print
4 1/4" x 3 1/8"
1926

Under the Eiffel Tower, 1929
gelatin silver print
7 11/16" x 8 13/16"
1929

Washington Square
gelatin silver print
4 15/16" x 3 11/16"
1954

The Kertesz show is an absolute must-see but it does require some work on the viewer's part. Unlike the recent Dan Flavin show where you could just walk through and bask in the light of Minimalism, you'll want to study these photographs and think about why they work. Very easily you could just walk right on by, but you'll want to dedicate some time to each gallery, particularly the first which holds many of the exptremely small images. I am very interested to hear your thoughts about this show. Did the show strike you or were you left unimpressed?

I can't wait to get back and see the show again. I'm certain there are many nuances I missed during my first pass.

Comments

[Alexandra Silverthorne]

J.T.

I love Andre Kertesz and can't wait to get to the show. I was hoping to go last Saturday, but it hadn't opened yet. If you dug Kertesz's work, check out Josef Sudek. In January, I saw an amazing Sudek exhibit at the MFA in Boston. He's known as "the poet of Prague" and takes absolutely stunning photographs. Furthermore, his methodology is incredible, if you get the chance to read about them. I look forward to the Kertesz exhibit (even more so with your teaser images!).

Thanks,
Alexandra

[Joe]

n my opinion, the best 20th Century Fine Art Photographer. His work spans for Pictorialism through Modern Expressionism. Although he spoke of his life as very difficult, his actual artistic work speaks of poetic interpretation of everyday life where the viewer learns the value and importance of little things. I loved the show - been there twice- and I hope to go back this Sunday for the 3rd time! Joe

[wwc]

http://nytimes.com/2005/02/25/arts/design/25john.html

review in the Times...

[Alex]

If you want to find out more information about Kertesz's life and to view some of his images, you might want to try this URL:
http://www.iphotocentral.com/showcase/showcase_descrp.php/34/1/1/0 . If this breaks, just try:
http://www.iphotocentral.com/showcase/showcase.php
and scroll down to the Kertesz Special Exhibit.

[Barry Fisher]

I also think Kertesz was one of the real great 20th century photographers, and yes there is a lyricism and surreal overtones to much of his work. You really have to marvel at the precision and balance he achieves in such clever ways. I think it is one of the tragedy's of 20th century art that he did not flourish when he came to the U.S. His personal style simply got passed over, yet he was one of the best.