Photography Appreciation
Eugène Atget, hailed as a trailblazer in documentary photography, is revered for his enduring impact on the art form. Born on February 12, 1857, in Libourne, Atget was raised by his maternal grandparents in Bordeaux. Following his secondary education, he sought admission to the National Conservatory of Music and Drama, facing initial rejection before fulfilling his military service requirement and ultimately gaining acceptance.
Venturing into the realm of acting, Atget joined a traveling troupe, gracing stages in and around Paris. It was during this time that he crossed paths with Valentine Delafosse Compagnon, an actress who would become his companion until her death.
However, Atget's acting career was cut short by a vocal cord infection, prompting a shift to painting, without notable success. Subsequently, he found his calling in photography, capturing his inaugural images of Amiens and Beauvais in 1888.
With camera in hand, Atget traversed the streets of Paris, meticulously documenting the city's evolving urban fabric and rich cultural tapestry. His focus on architectural marvels and quintessentially French scenes drew the attention of artists seeking inspiration for their creations. Driven by a fervent desire to create what he humbly termed "documents," Atget pursued his craft with unwavering dedication.
In the twilight of his life, Atget's work caught the eye of surrealist Man Ray, who marveled at the surreal quality of his photographs depicting storefronts. This recognition led to a fortuitous encounter with Berenice Abbott, then darkroom assistant to Man Ray.
Abbott sought Atget and persuaded him to sit for a photograph. To her surprise, Atget arrived at her studio dapper wearing an overcoat. She immortalized Atget in a portrait session, days before his death. Abbott assumed custodianship of his prints and negatives, emerging as a steadfast advocate for his legacy.
In 1984, Atget's enduring contributions were posthumously celebrated with his induction into the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum.
Sources:
Wikipedia
https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/atgt/hd_atgt.htm
https://www.apollo-magazine.com/eugene-atget-getty-los-angeles/
https://iphf.org/inductees/eugene-atget/
https://www.gallery.ca/collection/artist/eugene-atget
https://www.henricartierbresson.org/en/expositions/eugene-atget/
https://www.westongallery.com/original-works-by/eugene-atget
No comments:
Post a Comment