Henri Cartier-Bresson

at the Fondation Pierre Gianadda

By Julia Revitt Photography

August 6^th, 2022

Henri Cartier-Bresson

Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908 - 2004) is famous for the 'decisive moment' - the idea that photographers have one perfect moment to capture a scene.

In 1932 he picked up a Leica camera and influenced by surrealist art, he started to create the bold, black and white images he is renowned for.

A founding member of Magnum photography, he was a pioneer of many styles of street photography common today. As well as capturing moments of light and shadow on the street, Cartier-Bresson also shot documentary and portrait photography - including the likes of Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso,

Many of today's well known black and white photographers owe their style to this legendary artist.

The exhibition

The Henri Cartier-Bresson exhibition is at the Fondation Pierre Gianadda, Martigny, Switzerland from 10th June to 20th November.

The Leica, it's my notebook, fast, discreet, no larger than my hand.

Leica Love

Henri is just one of many photographers that use Leica cameras. Photojournalists, artists and street photographers rely on these robust, discreet cameras.

I managed to buy a Leica Q a couple of years back. I sold all of my other camera equipment and now just use the one camera. I haven't looked back since.

Fondation Pierre Gianadda

In 1973, Leonard Gianadda had decided to build an apartment block on the ground where the foundation sits, but during the excavations a roman temple was found. After his brother Pierre died in a plane crash in 1976, Leonard decided to change his plans and built the foundation dedicated to art.

The strong architecture of the building and the structured gardens make it a photographer's dream. I certainly enjoyed exploring both the building and the gardens with my Leica in hand. There is a permanent Gallo-Roman and Automobile exhibition and the gardens highlight works of art and nature equally. With bamboo, bushes and trees next to the sculptures, it's a place like no other that I've seen.