# André Kertész

> Hungarian photographer (1894–1985)

**Wikidata**: [Q241754](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q241754)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/André_Kertész)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/andre-kertesz

## Summary
André Kertész was a Hungarian-born photographer renowned for his pioneering work in photojournalism and art photography. He is most recognized for his evocative street photography and innovative use of perspective, which influenced generations of visual artists.

## Biography
- Born: July 2, 1894, in Budapest, Kingdom of Hungary
- Nationality: Hungarian (later became a naturalized citizen of the United States)
- Education: Studied at the Academy of Fine Arts, Budapest
- Known for: Pioneering photojournalism, street photography, and artistic use of shadows and composition
- Employer(s): _Illustrated Daily News_, _Look_ magazine, _House & Garden_
- Field(s): Photography, photojournalism, art photography

## Contributions
André Kertész made significant contributions to the field of photography through his artistic and documentary work:
- Created iconic images that defined modernist photography in the early 20th century.
- Published numerous photo books including "Paris vu par Kertész" (1934) and "Kertész in America" (1985), showcasing his unique visual storytelling.
- Developed a distinctive style characterized by intimate compositions, geometric forms, and emotional depth.
- His photographs were featured in major exhibitions and are held in the collections of institutions like the Museum of Modern Art.

## FAQs
**What is André Kertész most known for?**  
André Kertész is most known for his pioneering contributions to photojournalism and art photography, particularly his intimate and geometrically composed images that captured everyday life with emotional nuance.

**Where did André Kertész work during his career?**  
Kertész worked for several major publications including _Illustrated Daily News_, _Look_ magazine, and _House & Garden_. He also freelanced extensively in Paris and New York, where he developed much of his iconic body of work.

**What artistic movements or styles influenced André Kertész?**  
Kertész was influenced by modernist art movements, particularly in his use of light, shadow, and composition. His work bridged the gap between documentary realism and artistic abstraction.

**Did André Kertész receive any formal recognition during his lifetime?**  
Yes, he received several honors, including the Guggenheim Fellowship and the French Legion of Honour, recognizing his artistic achievements and contributions to photography.

## Why They Matter
André Kertész fundamentally shaped the field of photography by blending photojournalism with artistic expression. His innovative use of perspective, light, and shadow influenced countless photographers, including notable figures like Henri Cartier-Bresson. Kertész's legacy lies in his ability to capture the emotional and aesthetic dimensions of everyday life, setting new standards for visual storytelling. His work continues to inspire contemporary photographers and is preserved in major cultural institutions worldwide.

## Notable For
- Pioneering photojournalism and street photography with a unique artistic vision
- Creating iconic photo books such as "Paris vu par Kertész" and "Kertész in America"
- Receiving the Guggenheim Fellowship and the French Legion of Honour
- Influencing modernist photography through his innovative compositions
- Developing a distinctive style that merged realism with abstraction
- Being featured in exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art and other major institutions
- Working with leading publications such as _Look_ and _House & Garden_
- Bridging the gap between documentary and art photography
- Mentoring and inspiring future generations of photographers
- Creating timeless images that remain influential in contemporary visual culture

## Body
### Early Life and Education
André Kertész, born Andor Kertész on July 2, 1894, in Budapest, Kingdom of Hungary, showed an early interest in photography. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Budapest, where he developed foundational skills in visual composition. His early exposure to the cultural vibrancy of Budapest informed his artistic sensibilities, which would later define his photographic style.

### Career Beginnings
Kertész began his career in photography during the early 1920s, initially working as a photojournalist in Budapest. His early work was marked by a keen eye for geometric compositions and human emotion. In 1925, he moved to Paris, where he expanded his artistic repertoire and began publishing in prominent magazines. His photographs from this period captured the essence of Parisian life, blending documentary realism with modernist aesthetics.

### Major Publications and Projects
Kertész's body of work includes several landmark publications:
- "Paris vu par Kertész" (1934) showcased his ability to merge photojournalism with artistic expression, capturing the spirit of Paris through a unique visual lens.
- "Kertész in America" (1985) compiled his work after relocating to the United States, highlighting his adaptation to a new cultural environment and his continued innovation in photography.

His projects often featured everyday scenes, yet they were distinguished by his use of light, shadow, and perspective. These elements combined to create images that transcended simple documentation, offering emotional and aesthetic depth.

### Professional Affiliations and Employers
Throughout his career, Kertész worked with several notable employers and publications:
- _Illustrated Daily News_: Provided a platform for his early photojournalistic work.
- _Look_ magazine: Featured his artistic compositions and visual storytelling.
- _House & Garden_: Showcased his ability to capture both lifestyle and architectural elements.

His freelance work allowed him to maintain creative autonomy, resulting in a diverse portfolio that spanned continents and decades.

### Artistic Influence and Legacy
Kertész's influence extended beyond his published work. He mentored emerging photographers and inspired movements in visual arts. His emphasis on composition and emotional nuance became a benchmark for modernist photography. Institutions like the Museum of Modern Art recognized his contributions, preserving his work for future generations.

### Awards and Recognition
Kertész received numerous accolades during his lifetime:
- Guggenheim Fellowship: Acknowledged his artistic achievements and contributions to photography.
- French Legion of Honour: Recognized his impact on the cultural landscape of France and beyond.

These honors underscored his status as a leading figure in 20th-century photography.

### Personal Life and Later Years
Kertész relocated to the United States in the 1930s, where he continued to work prolifically. His later years were marked by retrospectives and renewed interest in his early work. He passed away in 1985, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence photographers worldwide.

### Cultural and Historical Context
Kertész's career spanned major historical events, including both World Wars. His work reflected the changing cultural dynamics of Europe and America. As a Hungarian national who later became a U.S. citizen, he navigated multiple identities, which enriched his photographic perspective.

### Impact on Photography
Kertész's impact on photography is evident in the continued relevance of his work. His innovative use of perspective and composition set new standards for visual storytelling. His ability to capture the emotional depth of everyday scenes influenced a generation of photographers, including notable figures like Henri Cartier-Bresson. His legacy endures through exhibitions, publications, and the ongoing study of his work in academic and cultural institutions.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art online collection
3. BnF authorities
4. Museum of Modern Art online collection
5. [Source](https://hdl.handle.net/10796/6A1106EE-FF42-4B78-85F6-79D73664DDE3)
6. The Fine Art Archive
7. [Chez Mondrian, Paris](https://www.stedelijk.nl/nl/collectie/8454-andre-kertesz-chez-mondrian-paris)
8. Guggenheim Fellows database
9. International Standard Name Identifier
10. Japan Search
11. Virtual International Authority File
12. CiNii Research
13. MusicBrainz
14. [Source](http://www.ac-nice.fr/ia06/eac/file/PDFAV/Andre%20KERTESZ%20La%20Tour%20Eiffel.pdf)
15. Benezit Dictionary of Artists
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. [Source](https://www.documenta.de/en/retrospective/documenta_6)
18. Autoritats UB
19. Museum of Modern Art
20. archINFORM
21. [Source](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiarch.php)
22. LIBRIS. 2013
23. DACS register
24. [Source](https://norman.hrc.utexas.edu/photoPublic/fullDisplay.cfm?CollID=16776)
25. [André Kertész. Foto's, Parijs 1925-1936](https://www.stedelijk.nl/nl/collectie/55576-wim-crouwel-andre-kertesz.-foto%27s-parijs-1925-1936)
26. Smithsonian American Art Museum person/institution ID
27. [Source](https://bard.emuseum.com/people/2126/andre-kertesz)
28. [Source](https://triarte.brynmawr.edu/artist-maker/info/24200)
29. [Source](https://collections.carlos.emory.edu/people/23865/)
30. [Source](https://library.si.edu/art-and-artist-files)
31. [Source](https://library.nga.gov/permalink/01NGA_INST/1cl1g8d/alma991105093504896)