After The Angelsthe new exhibition of centre d’art GwinZegal sets sail for New York. A 1960s New York by German-born photographer Evelyn Hofer. “She is an important artist whose work has never been shown in France, or even in Europe. It is this side of discovery that animated me for this exhibition”, explains Jérôme Sotherthe artistic director of GwinZegal.
From Europe to New York
In 1933, the Hofer family fled the rise of Nazism and moved to Zurich, Switzerland. This is where Evelyn learned photography and developed her technique. She settled in New York in 1946, hoping to start an artistic career. She takes many photos but struggles to get real recognition: “She responded above all to orders from major magazines such as Vogue or Life. She also collaborated with authors to illustrate books on cities: New York, Dublin, Florence… She lived there but was not really a recognized artist. In any case, not during his lifetime”, underlines Jérôme Sother.
A unique artist
It must be said that Evelyn Hofer went against the grain of the artists of her time. While light and fast cameras are developing, making it possible to capture moments on the fly, the photographer continues to use the view camera. This bulky camera on a tripod contributes to his particular style: “All his photos are posed. However, she manages to recreate an atmosphere that may seem natural,” says Jérôme Sother.
What is also surprising is his use of color: “The first color exhibition at MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) is held in 1976. However, Evelyn Hofer uses it from her first photos. And thanks to his technique, the result is superb”.
A popular New York
The exhibition takes the visitor through the popular daily life of New York. The photographer highlights the modest inhabitants of the city: bartender, hot-dog seller, family coming out of church… “Photographing these people is a real choice for Evelyn Hofer”, notes Jérôme Sother. At the time of the civil rights movement, the artist highlights the cosmopolitan side of the city as, for example, in his series on marriages. There are also many photos of signs and storefronts. Echoing these photos, the exhibition is accompanied by the screening of the film “Broadway by Light” by William Klein.
Practice :
From this Friday, June 17 until October 16, 2022. Open Wednesday to Sunday, from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Free entry. Summer hours from July 13 to September 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
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