Elliott Erwitt "Personal Best" Photo Exhibition, Venice

Elliott Erwitt “Personal Best” Photo Exhibition, Venice

Elliott Erwitt is a French-born American photographer best known for his iconic black-and-white images that capture candid moments and everyday life with humour and sensitivity. He’s a part of Magnum Photos, whose members document many of the world’s major events and personalities. In 2012, a retrospective photo exhibition of his work, Elliott Erwitt: Personal Best, was displayed at Casa dei Tre Oci on Giudecca Island, Venice. This exhibition was his first in Venice. Below is a selection of photos I took at the event.

Displayed Were Elliott Erwitt’s Personal Best Images

The exhibition showcased many of Erwitt’s favourite images on three storeys of the modern, neo-gothic building, including his photographs of dogs, portraits of famous figures such as Marilyn Monroe and Che Guevara and his work for a Jacob Cohën advertising campaign.

Elliott Erwitt "Personal Best" Marilyn Monroe

The event also included lesser-known works from Erwitt’s extensive portfolio. These other photos allowed visitors to discover new facets of his candid storytelling. For example, an appreciation of the lives of dogs and their interactions with humans. And also the quirky nature of everyday life.

Interestingly, some of Erwitt’s photos for Jacob Cohën’s jeans campaign show people looking at paintings in an art gallery. So, to honour this renowned photographer, I took some pictures of visitors looking at photos in Erwitt’s exhibition. Derivative, I know. But, amusing nonetheless!

Elliott Erwitt & Magnum Photos

In the early 1950s, Elliott Erwitt joined Magnum Photos, an esteemed international photographic cooperative founded in 1947 by renowned photographers Robert Capa, Henri Cartier-Bresson, George Rodger, and David Seymour. The cooperative allowed its photographers greater control over their work. It also provided them with a platform to document significant events and social issues worldwide.

Erwitt became a full member of Magnum in 1953, and his unique style and ability to capture humour in everyday life quickly garnered attention.

Throughout his association with Magnum Photos, Erwitt travelled extensively and photographed various subjects, including notable figures, historical events, street scenes, and everyday life moments. His work often showcases an innate sense of timing and an eye for capturing candid and unexpected moments, often with a humorous twist.

Furthermore, Erwitt’s artistic achievements have earned him several awards and recognitions, cementing his place as one of the most influential photographers of the 20th and 21st centuries.