André Kertész (born Andor Kertész) was a Hungarian-born photographer renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to photographic composition and the photo essay. Born in Budapest in 1894, he pursued photography as an autodidact despite family pressure to enter the stockbroker business. His career is traditionally divided into four periods: the Hungarian period (early 1920s), the French period (mid-1920s to late 1930s), the American period (late 1930s to early 1960s), and the International period (post-1960s). Kertész was a pioneer in using unorthodox camera angles, distortion mirrors, and capturing daily life with an intimate, nostalgic tone. He lived in Paris during the interwar years, where he achieved critical success and became associated with the Dada movement. In 1936, he emigrated to the United States, eventually becoming a naturalized citizen. Throughout his long career, he was known for his dedication to 'writing with light' and capturing both grand landscapes and quiet, everyday moments.[5]
Landscapes1979 · Mayflower Books · book · EnglishISBN 0831754168A compilation of 64 photographs featuring landscapes from throughout Kertész's career.
Enfants1933 · Éditions d'Histoire et d'Art · book · FrenchA compilation of 54 photographs dedicated to his mother and wife Elizabeth.
Paris Vu Par André Kertész1934 · Éditions d'Histoire et d'Art · book · FrenchA compilation of 48 photographs from Kertész's time in Paris.
Nos Amies les Bêtes1936 · Éditions d'Histoire et d'Art · book · FrenchA compilation of 60 photographs of various animals.
Day of Paris1945 · J.J. Augustin · book · EnglishA compilation of 126 photographs taken just before his emigration from France.
André Kertész, Photographer1964 · Museum of Modern Art · book · EnglishA compilation of 64 photographs from his exhibition at the MoMA.
The Concerned Photographer1968 · Grossman Publishers · book · EnglishPublished following 'The Concerned Photographer' exhibition.
On Reading1971 · Grossman Publishers · book · EnglishA small number of photographs all of various people reading.
André Kertész: Sixty Years of Photography, 1912–19721972 · Grossman Publishers · book · EnglishA compilation of 250 photographs.
J'aime Paris: Photographs Since the Twenties1974 · Grossman Publishers · book · EnglishA compilation of 219 photographs from his years in Paris and later return trips.
Washington Square1975 · Grossman Publishers · book · EnglishA compilation of 104 photographs of Washington Square taken using a telephoto lens.
Exhibitions
1927Solo ExhibitionSacre du Printemps Gallery, Parissolo
1937Solo ShowPM Gallery, New Yorksolo
1946Art Institute of Chicago ExhibitionArt Institute of Chicago, Chicagosolo
1962Solo ShowLong Island University, New Yorksolo
Awards
1930Silver Medal for services to photographyExposition Coloniale (Paris)
1963Gold MedalIV Mostra Biennale Internazionale della Fotografia (Venice)
1974Guggenheim FellowshipGuggenheim Foundation
1974Commander of the Ordre des Arts et des LettresFrance
1977Mayor's Award of Honor for Arts and CultureNew York City
1980Medal of the City of ParisParis
1980Annual Award of the Association of International Photography Art DealersNew York
