Willy Ronis: Twelve photographs with a text by Ronis. Preface by Gérard Macé. Galerie Camera Obscura. No. 138 in an edition of 290. Two-point folio of Bakri ivory paper containing Macé's text, facsimile hand-written text by Ronis and colophon. Hand-numbered and signed by Ronis beneath colophon. 3 folios of the same paper, each containing additional facsimile hand-written text plus 4 collotype reproductions on 100% cotton paper (12 total). Housed in green rag paper over board slipcase.
To see additional sample images and slipcase, click 'View More Images.'
Willy Ronis is one of the last of the surviving documentary photographers in the humanist tradition of Kertesz and Cartier-Bresson. During the 40s and 50s he was a prolific chronicler of many corners of French social life, especially the working people of Paris. He tended to wear his politics on his sleeve, often photographing strikes, demonstrations, occupations of factories and the like. For this reason, he also kept his distance from the American and British press.
Ronis's images, like those of countless Realist artists before him, aim to capture the poetry of the streets. Ever respectful of his subjects, Ronis's gaze is always affectionate and discrete. Unlike many documentary photographers, who search out freaks and weirdoes, Ronis seeks out the typical and the ordinary. Yet, beneath the surface, one senses a subtle sense of melancholy and muted nostalgia.
Very Fine.
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