The Mapfre Foundation in Barcelona offers until September 15 a unique opportunity to delve into the life and work of New York photographer Louis Stettner, through an exhibition that brings together 190 of his images. Curated by Sally Martin Katz, the exhibition explores the four major axes that deeply influenced Stettner’s artistic career: his connection with the collective of photographers of the Photo League of New York (1936-1951), his passion for writing, the influence of the poet Walt Whitman, and his commitment to dignify workers in precarious conditions.
A journey through the work of Louis Stettner
The selection of photographs takes visitors on a visual journey through New York and Paris, the cities that marked both Stettner’s personal life and work. In these metropolises, the photographer found the perfect setting to express his vision of the world, influenced by French humanism and the vibrant dynamics of the streets of Manhattan. The Mapfre Foundation thus becomes an ideal space to immerse oneself in Stettner’s gaze and appreciate his unique ability to capture the essence of everyday life.
The exhibition is organized chronologically, allowing visitors to follow Stettner’s artistic evolution throughout his career. Among the 190 photographs on display are previously unpublished images and a selection of his hitherto little-known color work. This retrospective offers a complete overview of the photographer’s career, highlighting the importance and impact of his work in the world of photography. In addition, the exhibition is accessible free of charge on Tuesdays, while general admission costs 5 euros.
Social and committed approach
Louis Stettner conceived photography as a tool for social change, a means to celebrate life and show human courage in the face of adversity. His experience as a photographer during World War II and his deep faith in humanity are reflected in his work, characterized by a social and committed approach. His relationship with the Photo League, especially with photographers such as Sid Grossman and Weegee, as well as his love of literature and philosophy, were key influences in his artistic development. With his camera, Stettner captured the lives of workers and laborers, the mountainous landscapes of the French Alpilles massif, and everyday life in the New York subway.
Born in 1922 in Brooklyn, New York, Louis Stettner created thousands of images over a career that spanned nearly eighty years. He acquired his first camera as a teenager and was soon drawn to the streets of his hometown. He soon made a name for himself in New York’s famed Photo League, where he forged friendships with the likes of Sid Grossman and Weegee. During World War II, he worked as a combat photographer, an experience that profoundly shaped his worldview and reinforced his belief in the essential humanity of the common man.
After the war, Stettner visited Paris in 1947 with the intention of staying only three weeks, but ended up residing in the city for five years, thanks to an Army scholarship that allowed him to study cinematography. During this time, he developed a close relationship with the photographer Brassaï and a deep connection with the city and its people. Throughout his life, Stettner moved between New York and Paris, before settling permanently in the French capital in the 1990s.
Tribute to workers
Stettner’s work is difficult to categorize, as it incorporates elements of both New York street photography and the lyrical humanism of the French tradition. A convinced Marxist, he dedicated his life to paying homage to the working class, inspired by the work of Walt Whitman and human nature. Through his images, Stettner sought beauty in the everyday lives of ordinary people, exploring a wide range of themes throughout his career.
This exhibition is a testament to Stettner’s legacy and his unwavering commitment to human dignity. Each photograph is a reflection of his desire to show life in all its complexity, celebrating both moments of joy and struggle. By visiting the exhibition, viewers have the opportunity to discover the depth and scope of the work of a photographer who was able to capture the essence of the human being with a unique sensitivity.
Image courtesy of https://www.fundacionmapfre.org, all rights reserved.
