The Man, The Image & The World. The exhibition feature work from throughout the renowned photographer's extraordinary career, which spanned over 70 years. More than 250 of Cartier-Bresson's photographs, including his defining records of modern history and intimate portraits of daily life from around the world. Images from his time in Europe, Mexico, America, China, Japan, Bali, India and the USSR, where he was one of the first western photo-reporters to visit during the Cold War.
Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908-2004), the French photographer
who redefined both photojournalism and his craft as an art form,
will be celebrated in a major exhibition at the Queensland Art
Gallery from August 27 to November 27, 2011.
Queensland Art Gallery Director Tony Ellwood said "Henri
Cartier-Bresson: The Man, The Image & The World" would
feature work from throughout the renowned photographer's
extraordinary career, which spanned over 70 years.
"Cartier-Bresson's photography is exceptional for capturing "the
decisive moment”, an illustration of action, emotion and an entire
story through the single frame of the camera lens," Mr Ellwood
said.
"Visitors will have an opportunity to see more than 250 of Cartier-Bresson's photographs, including his
defining records of modern history and intimate portraits of daily life from around the world.
"Cartier-Bresson travelled extensively to document some of the most significant historical events of the
twentieth century, including the Cultural Revolution in China, the impact of Gandhi's assassination in India
and life behind the Iron Curtain in the Soviet Union during the 1950s.
"The exhibition includes images from his time in Europe, Mexico, America, China, Japan, Bali, India and
the USSR, where he was one of the first western photo-reporters to visit during the Cold War.
"His celebrated assignments for Life magazine not only reshaped photojournalism but gave a rare insight
into world events," Mr Ellwood said.
"Cartier-Bresson, who was trained as a painter, saw photography not just as a tool of documentation, but
an art form in its own right.
"A pioneer in representing the rights of photographers through his co-founding of the Magnum Photos
agency, Cartier-Bresson set benchmarks not just for photojournalism, but for the aesthetics and ethics of
photography as a medium.
"He also photographed some of the most influential artists, writers and thinkers of the 20th Century.
Included in the exhibition are portraits of Henri Matisse, Alberto Giacometti, Pablo Picasso, Francis
Bacon, Jean Renoir, Georges Braque, Arthur Miller and Jean-Paul Sartre.
"Cartier-Bresson described photography as "aligning the head, the eye and the heart along the same line
of sight”. This exhibition puts into perspective his remarkable career behind the camera," he said.
"Henri Cartier-Bresson: The Man, The Image & The World" is presented by the Queensland Art Gallery in
conjunction with Magnum Photos, Paris and the Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation. The photographs were
selected by Cartier-Bresson and long term friend and publisher Robert Delpire before Cartier-Bresson"s
death in 2004.
Visitors will be able to explore Cartier-Bresson’s work and life in depth in a specially designed resource
lounge. Located directly outside the exhibition space, the lounge will provide visitors with access to
biographical information and photographs marking key moments throughout his career, as well as a large
selection of photography publications.
The exhibition opening weekend will feature a comprehensive program of talks and tours providing visitors
with the chance to learn more about the man who revolutionised modern photography and captured some
of the most iconic images of the twentieth century.
An ongoing series of programs and events includes monthly focus sessions situating Cartier-Bresson’s
work through the eyes of local photographers, photojournalists, fashion and travel photographers and
bloggers.
The exhibition is accompanied by a definitive retrospective catalogue containing over 600 colour and duotone illustrations, including previously unpublished photographs and a selection of drawings, painting and
film stills documenting the photographer’s lifetime achievements. Available from the Gallery store, RRP
$59.95.
Image: France. Paris. Place de l'Europe. Gare Saint Lazare 1932. Collection: Henri Cartier-Bresson Fondation, Magnum Photos. © Henri Cartier-Bresson/Magnum Photos
Media Inquiries
Amelia Gundelach Senior Media Officer tel: +61 (0)7 38407162 mob: +61 (0)404994985 e: amelia.gundelach@qag.qld.gov.au
The Queensland Art Gallery (QAG)
Stanley Place, South Bank, Queensland, Australia
Opening hours
Monday to Friday 10.00am - 5.00pm
Saturday and Sunday 9.00am - 5.00pm
Admission
Free, except for special exhibitions and some Cinematheque programs.