Elliott Erwitt, a Paris-born American photographer of Russian immigrant descent, peacefully slipped away at the age of 95, surrounded by his family. Known for his unfiltered black-and-white street photos and portraits of public figures, he left an indelible mark on the world of photography.
Erwitt gained fame for his humanist approach, which led to collaborations with prominent magazines and international publications. An esteemed member of Magnum Photos, he served as their president in the 1960s. Christine de Middel, the current president of the agency, paid tribute to Erwitt's impact, stating, "It's difficult to measure Elliot Erwit's influence on Magnum and photography as a whole." His work has strengthened our understanding of society and humanity, inspiring generations of photographers, even as the industry and trends evolved.
Erwitt's humanistic approach to reportage led to assignments from influential American magazines and international publications, as well as tourist bureaus. He was a long-term member of Magnum Photos, serving as their president in the 1960s. De Middel expressed her grief, stating, "The combination of his easygoing, humorous approach to photography and his unwavering dedication made him a truly unique artist."
Born on July 26, 1928, as Elio Romano Erwitz, Erwitt spent his childhood in Milan. His family, of Russian-Jewish descent, migrated to the United States in 1939, settling in Los Angeles. Erwitt started taking studio photography classes at Los Angeles City College and eventually moved to New York City, working as a janitor at the New School for Social Research in exchange for film classes. He joined the army in 1951, serving in Europe and documenting military events in Paris. Eventually, he was invited to join Magnum Photos, after meeting its iconic war photographer, Robert Capa.
Erwitt's first significant work was completed at age 22, and a comprehensive exhibit, "Elliott Erwitt: Pittsburgh 1950," finally showcased his images at the International Center of Photography in New York in 2018. His professional journey saw him capturing key events behind closed doors, from the lavish excesses of high society to the tumultuous political stage.
One of Erwitt's most famous photographs captures then-U.S. Vice President Richard Nixon—during the Cold War—inspecting an exhibit in Moscow at the American National Exhibition in 1959. Known as the "Kitchen Debate," this spontaneous event saw Nixon and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev locked in heated discussion over the merits and design of American and Russian kitchen appliances.
While many of Erwitt's well-known images depict everyday life and ironic situations, he was also known for his captivating portraits of celebrities, including Marilyn Monroe, Jackie Kennedy, Alfred Hitchcock, and Charles de Gaulle.
In addition to his acclaimed photography, Erwitt was a prolific author, publishing five collections of photographs focused on dogs. He also produced several documentary films and 18 comedies for HBO. In 2015, the Harry Ransom Center in Austin, Texas, acquired a collection of over 49,000 of Erwitt's photographs from 1946 to 2010, providing a comprehensive look at his storied career.
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Erwitt's love for dogs extended to his work in literature, as he authored five book-length projects about canines. His pioneering style in photography has had a lasting impact on various artists, elevating the significance of everyday life and ordinary moments in the world of art.
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Born in Paris in 1928, Erwitt gained recognition as an American photographer with his distinctive playful, intimate, and often humorous style, capturing everyday life, dogs, couples, and urban culture. Here are his major contributions to photography:
- Magnum Photos Agency: Erwitt became a member of Magnum Photos in 1953, rising to become one of the agency's most celebrated members. His work with Magnum gave him the opportunity to travel extensively, document various subjects, and cover events such as politics, fashion, and everyday life.
- Playful and Intimate Photography: Erwitt's photographs, characterized by their free and playful approach, are best known for capturing everyday people and scenes with a natural and humorous touch. His portraits of couples and children showcase his ability to draw out intimacy and humor.
- Documenting Everyday Life: Erwitt's work often focuses on the mundane aspects of life, capturing scenes that are both simple and evocative. His photographs of average folks in various settings, such as parks, streets, and beaches, have become icons of modern life.
- Celebrity Portraits: Erwitt's portraits of prominent personalities, including Marilyn Monroe, Jackie Kennedy, Alfred Hitchcock, Charles de Gaulle, and Che Guevara, are celebrated for their candid and humorous nature.
- Exhibitions and Legacy: Numerous exhibitions showcase Erwitt's iconic photography. For instance, the Musée Maillol in Paris featured a retrospective exhibit of his dog photographs in 2023. Erwitt's creative style continues to inspire new generations of photographers, with his work celebrated for its unique contribution to black-and-white and colored photography.
