Elliott Erwitt, born Elio Romano Erwitz on July 26, 1928, in Paris, France, was a legendary photographer whose work has left an indelible mark on the world of visual arts. Over a career spanning more than seven decades, Erwitt became renowned for his keen eye, sharp wit, and the ability to capture the extraordinary in the ordinary. His photographs are celebrated not just for their technical brilliance but also for their humanity, humor, and insightful commentary on the world around us.
Early Life and Emigration: A Journey Shaped by History
Elliott Erwitt’s early life was shaped by the turbulent political climate of the 1930s. Born to Jewish parents of Russian descent, Erwitt spent his first ten years in Italy, where his family had settled. However, the rise of fascism in Italy and the increasing persecution of Jews forced the Erwitz family to emigrate to the United States in 1939. This move to America marked the beginning of a new chapter in Erwitt’s life, one that would see him become one of the most celebrated photographers of the 20th century.
The cultural and geographical shift from Europe to America had a profound impact on Erwitt. The experience of displacement and the need to adapt to a new environment would later influence his work, as he developed a unique ability to capture the nuances of human experience across different cultures.
Education and Early Career: A Foundation in Photography
Elliott Erwitt’s formal education in photography began during World War II, a period that saw him honing his craft in a rapidly changing world. Between 1942 and 1944, he studied photography at Los Angeles City College, where he began to develop his technical skills and artistic vision. These years were formative, as Erwitt immersed himself in the world of photography, exploring its possibilities and learning from the greats who had come before him.
In the late 1940s, Erwitt continued his studies at the New School for Social Research in New York, focusing on cinema. This experience broadened his perspective on visual storytelling, as he learned to see the world through a cinematic lens. The combination of his studies in photography and cinema would later inform his unique style, characterized by a blend of still and moving images.
During the early 1950s, Erwitt served in the U.S. Army as a photographer’s assistant in Europe, particularly in France and Germany. This period of military service provided him with invaluable experience and exposure to different environments and cultures. It was also during this time that he encountered some of the most influential figures in photography, including Robert Capa, Edward Steichen, and Roy Stryker. These interactions would prove pivotal in shaping his career.
Roy Stryker, who was then the director of photography at the Farm Security Administration, hired Erwitt for a photographic project with Standard Oil. This opportunity allowed Erwitt to refine his skills and establish himself as a professional photographer. His early work, characterized by its attention to detail and the ability to capture candid moments, laid the foundation for his future success.
Rise to Prominence: The Magnum Photos Era
In 1953, Elliott Erwitt joined Magnum Photos, the prestigious photography agency founded by Robert Capa, Henri Cartier-Bresson, George Rodger, and David Seymour. This affiliation with Magnum Photos provided Erwitt with the platform to showcase his work on a global scale and collaborate with some of the most talented photographers of the time.
Erwitt’s work during this period is characterized by its diversity and breadth. He traveled extensively, capturing images that ranged from the mundane to the monumental. His photographs often focused on everyday life, revealing the humor, irony, and poignancy in ordinary moments. This approach resonated with audiences worldwide, as Erwitt’s images spoke to universal human experiences.
Some of Erwitt’s most iconic photographs were taken during the 1950s and 1960s. Among them is the famous 1953 photograph “New York City,” which depicts a chihuahua standing next to the feet of a woman. The contrast between the small dog and the towering legs of the woman is both amusing and thought-provoking, showcasing Erwitt’s ability to find humor in unexpected places.
Another iconic image from this period is “California Kiss,” taken in 1955. This photograph captures a young couple kissing in the rearview mirror of a car, with the landscape of California stretching out behind them. The image is both romantic and cinematic, reflecting Erwitt’s skill in creating visually compelling narratives within a single frame.
In 1959, during the height of the Cold War, Erwitt captured a powerful and historically significant photograph of Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev and U.S. Vice President Richard Nixon. The image, taken during the American National Exhibition in Moscow, shows the two leaders engaged in a heated debate, with Nixon pointing his finger at Khrushchev. The photograph became emblematic of the tensions of the Cold War era and was later used in Nixon’s presidential campaign to highlight his toughness in dealing with the Soviet Union.
Cinematic Pursuits: A Foray into Filmmaking
In the 1970s, Elliott Erwitt expanded his creative horizons by venturing into filmmaking. This period marked a significant shift in his career, as he began to explore the possibilities of motion pictures. In 1970, Erwitt worked as a cameraman on the documentary “Gimme Shelter,” which chronicled the Rolling Stones’ infamous 1969 tour. The experience of working in film allowed Erwitt to experiment with different forms of visual storytelling, further enhancing his artistic repertoire.
Erwitt’s directorial debut came with the documentary “Arthur Penn: The Director,” released in 1970. The film, which explored the work of acclaimed filmmaker Arthur Penn, was followed by other projects, including “Beauty Knows No Pain” in 1971 and “Red, White, and Bluegrass” in 1973. These films showcased Erwitt’s ability to translate his photographic vision into the medium of film, blending his keen observational skills with a deep understanding of narrative structure.
Despite his success in filmmaking, Erwitt never abandoned photography. Instead, he used his experiences in film to inform his photographic work, creating images that were rich in context and layered with meaning. This interplay between still and moving images became a defining feature of his later work.
Literary Contributions: A Passion for Dogs
Throughout his career, Elliott Erwitt had a deep affinity for dogs, a subject that he returned to repeatedly in his work. His love for canines was not just a personal passion but also a source of creative inspiration. In 1974, Erwitt published his first book, “Son of Bitch,” a collection of photographs centered around dogs. The book was well-received and showcased Erwitt’s ability to capture the personalities and quirks of his four-legged subjects.
In 1998, Erwitt published his second book on dogs, titled “Dog Dogs.” This volume continued his exploration of the relationship between humans and their canine companions, offering a humorous and heartwarming look at the bond between species. Erwitt’s dog photographs are characterized by their playful composition and the ability to convey the unique character of each animal.
The success of these books led to the publication of additional volumes in the 2000s, including “Woof” in 2005 and “Elliott Erwitt’s Dogs” in 2008. These works solidified Erwitt’s reputation as one of the foremost photographers of dogs, and they remain beloved by dog lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.
Recognition and Awards: A Legacy of Excellence
Elliott Erwitt’s contributions to photography have been recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 2009, he was awarded the Royal Photographic Society’s Centenary Medal and Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his significant impact on the art of photography. This prestigious accolade is given to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the field, and Erwitt’s body of work certainly fits this criterion.
In 2011, Erwitt was honored with the Infinity Award from the International Center for Photography, further cementing his status as a leading figure in the world of photography. That same year, the DocNYC Festival hosted a special event titled “An Evening with Elliott Erwitt,” where a collection of his films was screened. This event highlighted the breadth of Erwitt’s work and his influence across different mediums.
The festival also premiered “Elliott Erwitt: I Bark at Dogs,” a documentary directed by Douglas Sloan in which Erwitt played himself. The film offered an intimate look at Erwitt’s life and work, providing audiences with insight into the mind of one of photography’s greats.
Exhibitions and Global Impact: A Photographer for the Ages
Elliott Erwitt’s photographs have been exhibited in some of the most prestigious museums and galleries around the world. His work has been displayed at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Barbican in London, and the Palais de Tokyo in Paris, among others. These exhibitions have allowed audiences worldwide to experience the depth and diversity of Erwitt’s photography.
Erwitt’s ability to capture the essence of human experience, whether through the lens of humor, irony, or poignancy, has made his work universally relatable. His images transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, speaking to the shared experiences of people around the globe.
In addition to his photographic work, Erwitt was known for his distinctive cane, which had a small trumpet attached to it. The trumpet served a practical purpose, allowing Erwitt to clear a path through crowds, but it also became a symbol of his playful personality and approach to life.
Final Years and Legacy: A Life Well Lived
Elliott Erwitt continued to work and create well into his later years. His passion for photography never waned, and he remained an active presence in the art world. On November 29, 2023, Erwitt passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in New York, at the age of 95.
Erwitt’s legacy is one of humor, humanity, and a deep understanding of the world around him. His photographs have left an indelible mark on the history of photography, influencing generations of photographers and artists. Through his work, Erwitt taught us to find joy in the everyday, to see beauty in the mundane, and to appreciate the fleeting moments that make life meaningful.
As we look back on the life and career of Elliott Erwitt, we are reminded of the power of photography to capture the essence of the human experience. Erwitt’s work will continue to inspire and resonate with audiences for years to come, ensuring that his legacy endures as one of the greats in the world of photography.
