New York City, USA 2000 © Elliott Erwitt_MAGNUM PHOTOS
Since 2021, Leica Camera AG has dedicated the Leica Picture of the Year to outstanding Leica photographers who have been inducted into the Leica Hall of Fame. So far, twelve renowned photographers have been honoured with the award for their life's work. To share a piece of this success with all Leica enthusiasts, a Leica Picture of the Year is again selected this year. The Leica Picture of the Year is offered exclusively by the 27 Leica Galleries worldwide. This gives all collectors and Leica friends the opportunity to build up a unique collection of great Leica photographs with the limited editions.
The Leica Picture of the Year 2023 is an iconic shot by photographer Elliott Erwitt, which has also been on display in the Leica Hall of Fame exhibition at Leica Galerie Wetzlar since the Celebration of Photography. The black-and-white photograph was taken in New York City in 2000.
“Many of the dogs pictured must have looked appealing to me in their exotic settings, other dogs were appealing in reasonably well-composed photographs and some others seemed to transcend their easy obvious charm and to have allegorical connotations to us humans and our human condition. As I think about this now, my comments don’t sound particularly surprising. I don’t know of any other animals closer to us in qualities of heart, sentiment and loyalty. Some people say elephants come close. Personally, I find elephants too bulky, unwieldy and inaccessible for everyday photography and not at all cuddly or attractive with those big long noses. Besides, they do not roam the streets in every town and country like dogs do. And dogs make easy, uncomplaining targets without the self-conscious hang-ups and possible objections of humans caught on film.” Elliott Erwitt
10 New York City, USA 1999 © Elliott Erwitt_MAGNUM PHOTOS
The American photographer with European roots is one of the most important and influential photographers of our time. The work of the Magnum photographer, born in 1928, is unique and huge. Erwitt's photographs are famous. His extensive life's work includes photographs of Marilyn Monroe, Jackie Kennedy, Che Guevara or the portrait of a tiny Chihuahua in a hat and coat next to the large legs of a Great Dane and a pair of ladies' boots.
"Elliott Erwitt is considered as one of the most famous photographers worldwide. His works, which are mostly in black and white and feature not only prominent personalities but also memorable moments in contemporary history, are considered modern masterpieces of photography. The subtle humour in many of his images is Elliott Erwitt's 'trademark'," says Karin Rehn-Kaufmann, Art Director and Chief Representative of Leica Galleries International.
The photograph selected as Leica Picture of the Year also impressively demonstrates this mastery and Erwitt's humour.
The Leica Picture of the Year 2023:
Elliott Erwitt, York City 2000
Photo Print on Ilford Baryta Paper printed by WhiteWall
Imagesize: 40 x 50 cm (15.74 x 19.69 inch)/Motivesize: 25,4 x 38,1 cm (10 x 15 inch)
Signed and with Editionnumber on the print.
Edition: 80 pieces exclusive for Leica Galeries
Features: Certificate of authenticity with edition number and decorative folder
Start of Sales: 30. Oktober 2023
Leica Hall of Fame
Images that have touched the world, moments that will remain unforgotten: Since 2011, Leica Camera AG has been appointing outstanding photographers to the Leica Hall of Fame - artists who have made a difference with their view of the world. Testimonies to their work are pictorial icons that have burned themselves into our collective memory, that illustrate the human condition in a touching and timeless way. Those honoured so far include Gianni Berengo Gardin, René Burri, Bruce Davidson, Ralph Gibson, Ara Güler, Thomas Hoepker, Barbara Klemm, Steve McCurry, Joel Meyerowitz, Jürgen Schadeberg, Nick Út and Walter Vogel, Elliott Erwitt. More information Leica Picture of the Year
The opening image in the series of the Leica Picture of the Year in 2021 was a motif by the American photographer Ralph Gibson. This was followed by a motif by Thomas Hoepker. A few copies of both are still available exclusively in Leica Galleries worldwide.
Bild:
Elliott Erwitt , New York City 2000
© Elliott Erwitt/Magnum Photos
