The collection of photographs of the Center Pompidou has become, in the space of nearly 50 years, one of the most impressive in the world, with more than 40,000 prints and 60 000 negatives. It encompasses precious historical treasures such as Man Ray, Brassaï, Constantin Brancusi and Dora Maar, while integrating many major works of the 20th century, as well as important contributions from contemporary creation.
Date: Exhibition from September 6, 2023 to March 23, 2024
Location: Centre Georges Pompidou
Desires: Photography, contemporary, retrospective.
In an exhibition merging two exceptional photographic treasures, that of the prestigious Center Pompidou on one side, and that of the famous French collector Marin Karmitz on the other, an unprecedented picture of photographic representations of humanity in the 20th and 21st centuries. Although these collections are distinct in their origin, their essence and their purpose, they prove to be perfectly complementary here. This captivating exhibition presents more than 500 photographs and documents from the lenses of some 120 photographers, both historical and contemporary.
The exhibition reveals fascinating links between these artists. Through shared obsessions in their approach to the subject and their photographic style, these connections illuminate a particular aspect of the photographic act. Sometimes, they reveal the proximity of visions yet separated by time. This retrospective provokes a deep reflection on the notion of collection and the responsibility of the photographer: how does photography contribute to the emergence of identities and their highlighting? How does it reflect individuality and our relationships with others?
Focus on the Marin Karmitz collection
Historical Photographers: The Marin Karmitz collection includes photographs taken by renowned historical artists. Among these photographers are emblematic figures of 20th century photography, such as Man Ray, Brassaï, Dora Maar, and others. These artists played an essential role in the evolution of photography and left a lasting mark on the history of this art.
Contemporary Artists: In addition to historical photographers, Karmitz's collection also includes works by contemporary photographers. These contemporary artists include emerging and established figures who have made their own contributions to contemporary photography. These photographers offer a glimpse into the evolution of photography in the 21st century.
Diversity of Subjects: The photographs in Karmitz's collection cover a wide range of subjects and styles. They can range from captivating portraits to documentary photographs, from artistic experiments to historical testimonies. This diversity allows us to explore different facets of photographic art.
Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz: Special mention must be made to the artist Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz, of whom Marin Karmitz recently donated a large body of works to the Center Pompidou. Witkiewicz was a Polish painter, photographer and writer of the early 20th century, and his contributions to art are particularly significant.
Date: Exhibition from September 6, 2023 to March 23, 2024
Location: Centre Georges Pompidou
Desires: Photography, contemporary, retrospective.
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