An Evening with Elliot Erwitt
The Sony World Photography Awards hosted an evening with Elliot Erwitt tonight at the Miramar Theatre in Cannes. Erwitt has been a Magnum photographer since 1953, and even if you don’t know much about photography, chances are you’re familiar with his work. I don’t think there’s been another photographer in the last 60 years who can match his eye for humour in composition. His output has been consistantly amazing through the decades, and he’s been a huge inspiration to younger photographers over the years.
His talk consisted of a slideshow presentation of about a 100 photos, a little retrospective of some of his work, accompanied by minimalist commentary – either, “There’s nothing to say about this picture” or a snappy one liner adding even more humour to the image. Some photographers really over analyze and intellectualize their work. Not Erwitt, who basically said a good picture speaks for itself. And I really admire that.
Bonus: Mary Ellen Mark was in attendance too, with her signature long black twin braids. A good first night for the festival. And now, after many miles with no sleep, I hit the sack in my room at the marvelous 3.14 hotel. Bonne nuit.
One of the true greats.
Keep on Pimping man. Sounds bad ass.