Henri Cartier-Bresson
Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908 - 2004) is famous for the 'decisive moment' - the idea that photographers have one perfect moment to capture a scene.
In 1932 he picked up a Leica camera and influenced by surrealist art, he started to create the bold, black and white images he is renowned for.
A founding member of Magnum photography, he was a pioneer of many styles of street photography common today. As well as capturing moments of light and shadow on the street, Cartier-Bresson also shot documentary and portrait photography - including the likes of Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso.
Many of today's well known black and white photographers owe their style to this legendary artist.
The exhibition
The Henri Cartier-Bresson exhibition was at the Fondation Pierre Gianadda, Martigny, Switzerland from 10th June to 20th November 2022.
The Leica, it's my notebook, fast, discreet, no larger than my hand.Henri Cartier-Bresson
Leica Love
Henri is just one of many photographers that use Leica cameras. Photojournalists, artists and street photographers rely on these robust, discreet cameras.
I managed to buy a Leica Q a couple of years back. I sold all of my other camera equipment and now just use the one camera. I haven't looked back since.
Fondation Pierre Gianadda
In 1973, Leonard Gianadda had decided to build an apartment block on the ground where the foundation sits, but during the excavations a roman temple was found. After his brother Pierre died in a plane crash in 1976, Leonard decided to change his plans and built the foundation dedicated to art.
The strong architecture of the building and the structured gardens make it a photographer's dream. I certainly enjoyed exploring both the building and the gardens with my Leica in hand. There is a permanent Gallo-Roman and Automobile exhibition and the gardens highlight works of art and nature equally. With bamboo, bushes and trees next to the sculptures, it's a place like no other that I've seen.
