Chapter 1: The Birth of a Photographer
Cartier-Bresson's early life and influences are explored. His passion for painting and drawing led him to photography, inspired by photographers like Eugène Atget.
Example: A photograph of a railway worker from this period showcases his early interest in documenting everyday life.
Chapter 2: Surrealism and the Decisive Moment
Cartier-Bresson's involvement with the Surrealist movement shaped his understanding of photography as a means of capturing the ephemeral. He coined the term "the decisive moment" to describe the perfect instant to freeze a scene.
Example: His photograph "Behind the Gare Saint-Lazare" captures a man seemingly jumping over a puddle, demonstrating his ability to anticipate and capture decisive moments.
Chapter 3: The Spanish Civil War and Humanism
Cartier-Bresson covered the Spanish Civil War as a photojournalist. His images of war's devastation and human suffering deeply affected him, leading to a commitment to social justice.
Example: "Death of a Loyalist Soldier" is a poignant image that captures the brutality of war and the fragility of life.
Chapter 4: Wartime and Post-War Years
Cartier-Bresson's experiences during World War II, including his imprisonment, influenced his later work. His post-war images focused on the rebuilding of Europe and the human condition.
Example: "The Liberators" shows American soldiers entering Paris after the Liberation. It reflects both the hope and uncertainty of the post-war era.
Chapter 5: Magnum Photos and the Golden Age
In 1947, Cartier-Bresson co-founded Magnum Photos, a cooperative agency dedicated to preserving and promoting photojournalism. This period marked the golden age of his career, with iconic images from around the world.
Example: His photograph "Gandhi Leading the Salt March" became a defining image of the Indian independence movement.
Chapter 6: Later Years and Legacy
Cartier-Bresson continued to photograph throughout his life, exploring new themes and techniques. His work gained international recognition and influenced generations of photographers.
Example: His late photographs, such as "A Chinese Woman at a Hairdresser's," showcase his unwavering commitment to capturing everyday scenes and human emotions.
Chapter 7: The Art of Seeing
Cartier-Bresson's emphasis on observation and attention to detail is discussed. His ability to anticipate and capture fleeting moments stemmed from his belief in the power of seeing.
Example: His photograph "The Cyclist" illustrates his skill in capturing the unexpected and creating moments of visual resonance.
Chapter 8: Henri Cartier-Bresson, the Filmmaker
Cartier-Bresson also made several films, which further explored his artistic vision. His films, like his photographs, captured the human condition and the complex realities of the world.
Example: His film "Return to the USSR" (1955) offers a unique perspective on Soviet society through the eyes of an observer.
