925. Bill Brandt (1904-1983), English,

London Child, 1955. Gelatin silver print, 33.6 x 30 cm.

Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Minneapolis.

 

 

Bill Brandt

(1904 Hamburg – 1983 London)

 

Bill Brandt is probably considered one of the most influential British photographer of the twentieth century. Early on in his career he worked in Vienna and Paris as, the famous Dada artist, Man Ray’s assistant and set on a mission to become an independent professional photographer. His first works were different series of photos in the form of manifestos that portrayed stereotypes and social inequality in London. During the second half of his career he decidedly devoted himself to portraiture, landscapes and nude photography. In his treatment of nude photography he created a new revolutionary style that utilized a dramatic atmosphere enhanced by unusual viewpoints of the architectural backgrounds. He was one of the first photographers to create his own individual style that he allowed to evolve over time and is well known for his use of strong contrasts and densely printed images.