PARIS PHOTO 2017

Often hailed as one of the most important photographers of the 20th century, André Kertész is positioned firmly within art history for his timeless, poetic images of modern urban life. After moving to Paris in 1925, he became a defining member of the modern art movement, culminating in a solo exhibition at Au Sacre du Printemps in 1927. Included in this landmark gallery show were his most prized, early works, Chez Mondrian, 1926, Piet Mondrian, 1926, and Mondrian’s Studio, 1926, an image of the anterior of the painter’s studio in Paris. In honor of the 90th anniversary of this momentous exhibition, Bruce Silverstein is pleased to present Kertész’s modernist masterpiece, Chez Mondrian, 1926, the vintage exhibition print from this seminal show, at Paris Photo.

Much has been written of Andre Kertész’s association with Piet Mondrian and how their encounters altered the photographer’s point of view. It is rarely mentioned, however, that their only common language was that of art – as Mondrian was from Holland and Kertész had recently emigrated from Hungary. Kertész had to use his camera to convey his deep, visceral response to Mondrian’s unique visual language. At their simplest form, this series of images taken in Mondrian’s studio were the result of his best attempt to communicate with Mondrian the only way Kertész knew how – through photography.

Other highlights include a wonderful Surrealist self-portrait by René Magritte from 1938, exhibited for the first time, as well as a selection of early photographs by Man Ray from a private collection, rediscovered in Milan in 1978.

The gallery will also be showcasing new work by both contemporary artists Mishka Henner and Penelope Umbrico, as well as a highly sought-after piece from Michael Wolf’s iconic series, Architecture of Density. Debuting work from her signature series Destroyed Houses, Bruce Silverstein is delighted to announce the representation of Dutch contemporary artist, Marjan Teeuwen.