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Andre Kertesz Quotes

Powerful Andre Kertesz for Daily Growth

About Andre Kertesz

Andre Kertész (pronounced: André Kerteš; born Kertész Andor in Budapest, Hungary on July 2, 1894 – died in Paris, France on September 28, 1985) was a significant figure in the history of modern photography. Best known for his innovative use of experimental techniques and poetic imagery, Kertész's work spanned several decades, bridging Europe and America, and reflecting various artistic movements such as Documentarism, Surrealism, and Photojournalism. Born to a Jewish family, Kertész developed an early interest in photography after receiving his first camera at the age of eleven. He published his first photograph in a Hungarian magazine at fifteen. After moving to Berlin in 1925, Kertész became part of the burgeoning German avant-garde scene, contributing to magazines such as Gropius' Bauhaus book and Alfred Stieglitz's American journal Camera Work. His most famous work from this period includes "The Man with a Camera" (1924) – an iconic self-portrait that captures Kertész's reflection on the street while photographing a woman. In 1936, seeking refuge from the rising Nazi threat in Europe, Kertész immigrated to New York City. Here he began working for fashion magazines and newspapers, contributing regularly to Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, and Life. While maintaining his commercial work, Kertész continued to pursue personal projects. In 1941, he published his first monograph, "Objects Are Never Still," which showcased his ability to find beauty in everyday objects and urban landscapes. After moving to the United States, he gained renewed recognition as a pioneer of photojournalism during World War II and post-war America. Kertész returned to Europe in 1956, settling in Paris where he remained until his death. Influenced by the vibrant artistic scene of post-war France, he continued to experiment with new techniques and themes, producing some of his most celebrated works during this period, including "On Reading" (1975) – a series of photographs that depict people lost in books, newspapers, or magazines. Andre Kertész's innovative spirit, technical mastery, and ability to find beauty in the everyday have solidified his place as one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. His extensive body of work continues to inspire artists and photography enthusiasts worldwide.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I photograph to put myself in a position where I can see things that others cannot see."

Andre Kertész's quote emphasizes his unique perspective as a photographer. By capturing images, he aims to perceive the world in a way that is distinct from ordinary perception. This quote highlights the transformative power of photography; it allows artists to reveal hidden aspects of reality, making visible things that are typically invisible or unnoticed by the average observer. Essentially, Kertész uses photography as a tool to enhance his understanding and appreciation of life.

"To photograph is to hold one's breath when all faculties converge to capture fleeting reality."

This quote by Andre Kertesz emphasizes the intensity, concentration, and captivation required in photography. It implies that a good photograph is not just a simple snap but rather a momentary pause, a breath held, during which the photographer's senses are heightened to seize the transient reality in front of them. It suggests that photography encapsulates the essence of a fleeting moment, allowing it to be preserved and appreciated long after it has passed.

"I think photography captures the now of life, the present moment."

Andre Kertesz's quote emphasizes that photography is a powerful tool for preserving and representing the ephemeral nature of life's moments. In essence, he suggests that photography encapsulates the "now" or present, freezing it in time so we can later reflect upon, share, and cherish experiences as they unfold. This perspective underscores photography's role as a unique medium for documenting and understanding the human experience within our ever-changing world.

"The camera allows me to freeze this eternal instant and later examine it at my leisure, more than its looking into some sort of future."

Andre Kertesz's quote emphasizes the unique power of photography in capturing a moment in time, suspending it as an "eternal instant" for future examination. This ability to pause and scrutinize life's fleeting moments is a significant advantage over our everyday perception, which flows continuously without pause or rewind. The quote also suggests that photography may serve not only as a means of documentation but also as a tool for introspection, providing an opportunity to reflect upon the past or consider possible futures in a new and more profound way.

"Photography must suggest and stimulate, invite and evoke, rather than explain and describe."

This quote by Andre Kertesz underscores the power of photography as an art form that inspires emotion and thought, rather than merely providing information or facts. In essence, it's about capturing the essence and mood of a subject, sparking curiosity and inviting viewers to imagine and interpret for themselves, creating a more immersive and engaging experience.

Everything is a subject. Every subject has a rhythm. To feel it is the raison detre. The photograph is a fixed moment of such a raison detre, which lives on in itself.

- Andre Kertesz

Which, Lives, Subject, Fixed

The camera is my tool. Through it I give a reason to everything around me.

- Andre Kertesz

Reason, Give, Through, Camera

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