A reporter once asked Elliott Erwitt (1928 – 2023) how he learned photography. The artist’s response: “I read the instructions on the back of the box.” It’s an irreverent answer that perfectly encapsulated Erwitt’s philosophy towards both art and life. He is known for street photography that reflects the wit, charm and playfulness of the everyday. He was a figure willing to find silliness in the serious, joy in mundanity, absurdity in the commonplace – offering much needed levity and reprieve in a world too often dark and serious. It’s the reason for his enduring popularity, which has seen retrospectives across the world, including at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, International Center of Photography, New York and Fotografiska, Shanghai. To date, there have been more than 70 books published on his career. The latest gallery to display Elliott’s oeuvre is Fotografiska Tallinn. Through the Playful Eyes of Elliott Erwitt spans seven decades, featuring nearly 100 photographs. Maarja Loorents, Head of Exhibitions, says: “Elliott captured life in all its richness, masterfully seizing the most striking moments. He never placed himself above his subjects – whether people or dogs – always elevating them, which is the mark of a great photographer.”
Erwitt was born in Paris to a Russian èmigre family, spending his early years in Milan, Italy, before moving to Los Angeles, USA, as a teenager. It was there that his passion for lens-based art took root. Later, he moved to New York, where he expanded skills in filmmaking and built connections with some of photography’s most influential figures. These includes Edward Steichen and Robert Capa – the latter a co-founder of Magnum Photos, the iconic international photographic agency. Erwitt’s professional career took off in 1949 after a return to Europe, capturing life in France and Italy with a Rolleflex camera. In 1953, Capa invited him to join Magnum and by the late 1960s, Erwitt had become the agency’s president. What followed was remarkably varied career in journalism, fashion and advertising, as well as producing documentary and comedy films, including 18 productions for HBO.
Childhood travels were a firm foundation for a career that centred around seeing the world. In a 2020 interview with the Guardian, he said: “I’ve been to most of the places that are of interest, touristic and journalistic.” This geographical range is reflected throughout Fotografiska Tallin’s exhibition. One shot, taken in Nicaragua in 1957, shows a middle-aged women sat behind a wooden shelf, two root vegetables placed suggestively in front of her chest. Another, from Australia in 1972, depicts a white horse, saddled up as if ready for a ride, travelling in the back of a pickup truck alongside three dogs. Seventeen years later, he attended the Eiffel Tower’s 100th anniversary celebrations. In a shot in front of the iconic landmark, it’s pouring with rain as a couple embrace beneath two upturned umbrellas and a man leaps in front of the camera. Regardless of where he worked, Erwitt maintained a discerning eye, revealing the bizarre, ridiculous and comical instances that can be found throughout the day to day.
Fotografiska reconciles his street photography with pictures of celebrities and significant world events. These more serious shots are an aspect of Erwitt’s career that is often overlooked in favour of his more capricious series. Yet, in this exhibition, historical figures are displayed side-by-side with images of chihuahuas and fashion photoshoots. One of his most famous pictures is of Jackie Kennedy, taken at her husband JFK’s funeral on 25 November 1963. She is surrounded by military men in uniform, veiled and dressed for mourning. Her expression is one of abject sorrow. In a single shot, Erwitt documented the overwhelming distress of a woman, who only days before had witnessed the murder of her partner, whilst simultaneously echoing the grief felt across an entire nation. Also on display is a 1986 photograph of Grace Jones and Andy Warhol, sat in the back of a limousine. Elsewhere, a picture of Grace Kelly, resplendent in an evening gown, is taken between the heads of two male figures. Each photo has something in common: a sense that the individual has been caught off-guard. The subjects are used to global media attention, yet Erwitt finds a chink in the armour. The humanity behind the remarkable figure shines through, as the artist reminds us that they are ultimately the same as everyone else.
Seventy years into his career, Erwitt’s archive totaled around 600,000 images. A significant portion of this collection has one key focus: dogs. The artist had a lifelong love of the animal, and between 1974 and 2008, he published five books that took canines as their subject. The artist once said: “I take lots of pictures of dogs because I like dogs, because they don’t object to being photographed and because they don’t ask for prints.” Here, Erwitt’s innate charm really flourishes. Dalmatians wear matching goggles, a terrier leaps into the air and several dogs are spotted on surf and skateboards. These are pets with character.
Erwitt’s world is one of happiness and abandon – it’s no wonder countless art enthusiasts continue to spend their time with his work. Even series taken more than half a century ago maintain an energy that makes them feel alive. Dogs are frozen in midair, couples are locked in embraces, childish smiles are recorded for future generations to enjoy. Yet, Erwitt’s photographs also have a universality – whether it’s a snapshot of elation or a bottomless grief, each reflect a sense of profound humanity. Their enduring appeal has lasted for decades and is sure to resonate with modern audiences for many years to come.
Through the Playful Eyes of Elliott Erwitt is at Fotografiska, Tallinn until 7 September: tallinn.fotografiska.com
Words: Emma Jacob
Image Credits:
1&6. California, USA, 1955 © Elliott Erwitt, Magnum Photos.
2. Alameda, California, USA, 1975 © Elliott Erwitt, Magnum Photos.
3. Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain, 1995 © Elliott Erwitt, Magnum Photos.
4. France, Paris, 1989. Eiffel Tower 100th anniversary © Elliott Erwitt, Magnum Photos.
