In search of an American publisher for the book he wanted to create about New York, William Klein received responses from all his editorial contacts that they did not relate to his grainy photographs, shots filled with reflections, dazzling lights, and overly shiny car bodies. Some even told him his images were trash, though that wasn’t exactly the term used. Thus, one of the finest books about the city was published with the original title “New York. Life is good and good for you in New York” (today, they might say that such a title would make the book unsellable…) in Europe.
Richard Avedon, on the other hand, had a much smoother experience. At thirty-six, for his first book, Observations, he benefited from texts by Truman Capote and, most importantly, the extraordinary graphic design by Alexey Brodovitch, his mentor at Harper’s Bazaar. The volume featured full-page portraits of key figures in the cultural and artistic world, adorned with the classic Bodoni typeface cherished by the Russian-born graphic designer and art director.
That the United States has always been a privileged place for photography is well-known, and this is highlighted by some of the images presented here, taken by authors who have observed America (as the US is commonly called) both from within, through the eyes of someone like Aaron Siskind with an artistic vision, and through the lens of European culture.
This includes the Italian American Ron Galella, who, as the only non-Italian member of the heterogeneous group of “paparazzi,” uses New York as if it were Via Veneto for his candid portraits. Then there’s Riccardo Moncalvo and later Maurizio Galimberti, who chase the allure of a seductive city. Finally, Olivo Barbieri plays with the vast spaces that characterize the country.
Text by Roberto Mutti
View full catalogue of the Photographs auction to be held October 15th in Milan
