American Photographer: Saul Leiter

Translated from:

08. 미국 포토그래퍼, 사울 레이터Saul Leiter

If you’ve ever seen the movie “Carol” (2015), you’ll recognize the short haired protagonist observing the world with her camera through the glistening windows. The inspiration behind the film was Saul Leiter’s photography, the director paying an homage to their peculiarly calm ambience. For over 60 years, Leiter has captured New York!

A theologist.. who dreamed of painting.. becomes a photographer

No one ever predicts their destiny, but especially for Saul Leiter, who would’ve never thought of taking on photography. He was predetermined to become a rabbi, growing up in a devout Jewish household with generations of strict law abiding. But, as fate would have it, the first camera he received as a birthday gift from his mother would be a decisive factor in his life of becoming a photographer. For the teenage boy studying theology, shooting images began as a hobby that opened his eyes to the world of fine arts. He eventually left school at the age of 23 with a dream of becoming a painter in New York. And it was there that a friend first suggested photography over painting as a medium of choice, which led him to work for big fashion magazines like Vogue and Esquire.

Leiter’s photographs for Harper’s Bazzar (1959)

Leiter wanted his artworks to be viewed as “photographs” rather than “fashion photographs”.

Blurry image, clear conviction..

One thing that is definite: life is not easy. And Leiter’s visuals, captured over the course of 60 years, convey this statement so honestly. When he launched his career in the 1950s, a group of photojournalist by the name of Magnum Photos led the world of photography. It was mainstream to record political events on black and white film during this era. But, something about Leiter’s images stood out among them, although his subject matters were beyond mundane, such as a person waiting for the train, holding an umbrella. Yet, they were just “different”, to say the least.

(Left) Magnum Photos’ “RESIST!” / Saul Leiter’s “Snow”. This sense of blurriness behind the glass window is an artistic representation of Leiter’s photographs.

He was always unhurriedly observing the world from a muted stance behind glass windows. No one recognized him as he roamed through impoverished neighbourhoods of New York holding an entry-level camera, and Leiter was uniquely content doing so. He didn’t have any desires of becoming famous and was nameless for the majority of his career.

“I don’t have a philosophy. I have a camera” — Saul Leiter

The blurriness behind glass windows can only last so long. It was in 2006 when a well-known German publisher visited a gallery in New York and discovered his photographs by accident, making him an icon overnight. Although his images were produced during the same period as Magnum Photos, Leiter’s popularity was possible due to their two different aesthetics.

What a blurry world..

“Phone Call” (1957)

“Paris” (1959)

“Red Umbrella” (1960)

“Snow” (1960)

The umbrella was Leiter’s favourite subject matter, even being told by assistants to stop photographing them!

“Umbrella” (1952)

“Shopper” (1953)

“Postmen” (1952)

And the paintings he secretly painted..

“Painted Nude” Even after becoming a renowned photographer, he continued to paint in secret.

“Painted Nude”

“A window covered with raindrops interests me more than a photograph of a famous person.” — Saul Leiter

About ARTBLOC

Opening up art investment for all, ARTBLOC enables micro-art investment by tokenizing the fractionalized ownership of masterpieces. ARTBLOC serves as a community for sharing art world information and critiques as well as a platform for art investment. ARTBLOC aims to drive the growth of the art market in general and support the artists, ultimately bringing art to our everyday lives.