Double self-portrait at the Linhof, Paris, 1938 (l.) – Photograph for the cover of Harper's Bazaar, December 1941 (r.), © The Estate of Erwin Blumenfeld 2022
The Tribulations of Erwin Blumenfeld from 1930 to 1950: here is the exhibition, until March 5, that any “fashion victim” worthy of the name but also any art lover, Instagrammer or simply curious person should not miss. Relatively unknown to the general public, this French photographer explores all genres, in color and black and white: portrait, documentary image, photomontage or even experimental technique, which he develops in the laboratory with superimpositions and optical effects. and mirrors. Awesome !
The Tribulations of Erwin Blumenfeld (1930-1950), Museum of Art and History of Judaism (MahJ), photo: Axel G
However, it is in fashion that this very inventive designer leaves the biggest mark. First settled in Paris in 1936, his immersion in the artistic excitement of the capital and the world of fashion was brutally interrupted by the defeat of 1940. After an agonizing journey, which included confinement in several camps French, he arrived at the last minute in New York where he immediately reconnected with the world of fashion.
Self-portrait in the studio on rue Delambre Paris, 1939, © The Estate of Erwin Blumenfeld 2022
In New York, he joined Haarper's Bazaar and Vogue magazines, where he created covers that defined a new visual grammar of fashion. Some of the front pages by Blumenfeld – whose aesthetic is recognizable among thousands – are cult. Even today, we are struck by their modernity. Often imitated, rarely equaled, Blumenfeld has simply defined “Vogue style” forever. Who hasn't aged a bit.
▼ The Tribulations of Erwin Blumenfeld (1930-1950)
Museum of Art and History of Judaism (MahJ)
71, Temple Street, 75003 Paris
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 18 p.m.
Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 21 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday from 10 p.m. to 19 a.m.
Closed on Mondays
Tel: +01 53 01 86 53
The Tribulations of Erwin Blumenfeld (1930-1950), Museum of Art and History of Judaism (MahJ), photo: Axel G
Text: Axel G. – Instagram
17.02.23
