Old article on Cartier-Bresson

[payasam]

Attached in PDF form is the text of an article of mine that was published in the British Amateur Photographer's issue of 16 October 2004. It had to be cut down to about a third of its original length because only a slot of 600 words was free. I am deliberately not putting this in the Leica forum: a tool is never more important than the workman.

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[kbg32]

"The reasonable conclusion is that while Cartier-Bresson was a master
photographer, he was not a demi-god: even a cursory glance at a few of his photographs will show that only a thinking, feeling human being could have taken them."

How true.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4074157481455007235

 

[OurManInTangier]

Great post Keith - I'm listening as I surf through the forum.

He's an archtypal Frenchman, got to love him for that too

 

[kbg32]

I've bookmarked that video Simon. First time I listened to it, I kept it on as I was working as well. So much he said in not really saying anything at all. What an anarchist!

 

[payasam]

You defame anarchism, Keith, but thanks for bringing us mirth.

Yes, Magus, a workman must have a capable tool. What I meant was that there is nothing Leica-specific about C-B's work: he could just as well have used an Ektra or a Contax or a FED. Let's not forget that Erich Salomon, long before, took "Leica-like" pictures with a substantially larger instrument; and that twin-lens Rolleis (when also considered "miniature" cameras) were similarly used.

 

[Ossifan]

Well that was certainly interesting and I thank you for the link to the interview and the short article. Unfortunately for me, I read the John Malcolm Brinnin chapter on C-B in his book Sextet (Just Like Java) and have been forever disillusioned about C-B the man. Great photographs, no question, but not a great man and the interview only confirms it - I found it painful to watch and generally irritating. Apologies in advance if I've offended anyone by this post.

Best,
Alex

 

[OurManInTangier]

I've just finished reading 'Magnum - Fifty years at the front line of history; the story of the legendary photo agency' by Russell Miller. A very interesting read. He interviews various members, tells the legendary tales and gives an insight into the founding, ego battles and continuing story.

One of the recollections is by a journalist that worked with HCB - as far as he was concerned HCB was astonshingly rude and would stop at virtually nothing to get the image he wanted including pushing 'ordinary' people to the ground in an effort to get 'there' in time.

Obviously its a very subjective topic as its as much about our character as the person we either like or dislike. Having said this, my utter respect for HCB is soley as a photographer who consistently produced astonishing images. As for HCB as a person - I've no idea as I didn't get to meet him so I'll keep an open mind as I try to do with everyone until I've met them and have something to form a judgement upon.

Infact the book suggests that virtually all of the Magnum photographers are capable of huge demonstrations of egotisical behaviour and long grudges - again, how true that is I don't know...and I don't care too much so long as the great photography keeps coming!

 

[Topdog1]

To the artist the work is everyting. Nothing else matters. Why should these people be nice? They are probably horrid. But their personality is not what we remember them for.

/Ira

 

[kbg32]

Most often Ira, it is true that the work is remembered more then the person behind it. I have had various oppurtunities to meet some living artists, not just photographers. I've listened to them speak about their work and got to know some as individuals. Needless to say, meeting them has often times changed the way I now view their work, not often for the better.

Magnum has the unfortunate reputation in the business, as a place where its members egos have clashed once too often as how its business is run. As you can imagine, it is not a very rewarding place to work.

 

[Topdog1]

I wonder why photographers seem to be the ones with the worst reputations? Perhaps it's because they are so dependent on the vagaries of the world for their art. To capture the "decisive moment" you have to be there for it, and to the exclusion of all others. All other art comes from "within" and has time to unfold.

/Ira

 

[kbg32]

I wouldn't say photographers have the worst reputations. Like any "group", there are the good and the bad.

 

[Nachkebia]

bla bla bla bla bla bla.... show me a photographer whos photos are like icon`s! you look at them and it is finished! it is done! it is there! it is forever! it is an icon!

 

[Topdog1]

bla bla bla bla bla bla.... show me a photographer whos photos are like icon`s! you look at them and it is finished! it is done! it is there! it is forever! it is an icon!

I don't think I understand your point.

/Ira

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

One of the recollections is by a journalist that worked with HCB - as far as he was concerned HCB was astonshingly rude and would stop at virtually nothing to get the image he wanted including pushing 'ordinary' people to the ground in an effort to get 'there' in time.

In fairness, and in the interest of balance, it must be noted that HCB was also capable of great generosity and loyalty. He went out of his way to accept and sponsor the then poor and unknown Josef Koudelka. Often allowing Koudelka to camp out at his studio and apartment in Paris. In the same book, it recounts how Koudelka (not yet even a Magnum member) went to a Magnum meeting held at a restaurant that had a rather ambitious dress code. Koudelka was severely underdressed, so the restaurant literally barred him from even entering. Upon learning of Koudelka's detention, HCB emerged from the meeting and rallied the entire Magnum group to depart en masse to another location so that Koudelka could join them. Hardly an 'astonishingly rude' gesture 😉 I'm sure there are many both ambitious and selfless dimensions to HCB. Not unlike most humans, great or not.

cheers

 

[Nachkebia]

I have seen one interview recently, all I can say he was one of the most pleasent persons I have seen intervied, very kind and shy..

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

By the way, Charlie Rose is usually a very insightful interviewer ... but certainly not his best moment in this case.

Perhaps he was too awestruck.

But if you were HCB, and spent your entire professional career answering the same uninsightful questions about your vision and technique over and over again, I'm surprised he isn't even more cynical about explaining his art to others. Sometimes talent is inexplicable.

Imagine Beethoven being peppered with questions about how he composed the Fifth Symphony, or the Sixth, etc. Would leave anyone wishing they were deaf 😉

 

[Nachkebia]

I liked how Charlie Rose made an interview, to tell you the truth it was very very hard for him, bresson was old, english was not perfect, he had hearing problems, he is very shy, he did everything he could to stay within the frame, respect for him 🙂

 

[OurManInTangier]

In fairness, and in the interest of balance, it must be noted that HCB was also capable of great generosity and loyalty. He went out of his way to accept and sponsor the then poor and unknown Josef Koudelka. Often allowing Koudelka to camp out at his studio and apartment in Paris. In the same book, it recounts how Koudelka (not yet even a Magnum member) went to a Magnum meeting held at a restaurant that had a rather ambitious dress code. Koudelka was severely underdressed, so the restaurant literally barred him from even entering. Upon learning of Koudelka's detention, HCB emerged from the meeting and rallied the entire Magnum group to depart en masse to another location so that Koudelka could join them. Hardly an 'astonishingly rude' gesture 😉 I'm sure there are many both ambitious and selfless dimensions to HCB. Not unlike most humans, great or not.

cheers

Totally agree, as the rest of my post hopefully sets-out. He also gave one of his own Leica's to a young magnum photographer, that lost his on assignment, whilst at a meal HCB arranged at his home for the photographer.

My paraphrasing has come back to bite me on the bum🙂

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

Simon,

I hope you know I wasn't taking a poke at you 🙂 Just wanted to add some color to the common perception that HCB was rude. I tend to think of him as someone who did not suffer fools gladly, but exceedingly kind to talented young photographers and those in need.

For those who haven't read the book Simon referenced, I highly recommend it. Another interesting footnote is HCB's rather cool opinion of Martin Parr. And if you think HCB had an ego, try Gilles Peress. His role in the book is almost hilarious 🙂

About the only person that came out about the same as I've always perceived him ... hardworking, humble, dedicated, talented ... was James Nachtwey. But he has since left Magnum to form VII.

cheers