About

Born on August 22, 1908, in Chanteloup-en-Brie, France, Cartier-Bresson developed an early interest in painting and would later incorporate elements of the medium into his photographic work. In the early 1930s, Cartier-Bresson traveled to Africa, Mexico, the United States, and various European countries, capturing candid moments and everyday life with his camera. He became known for his ability to capture the decisive moment, an elusive and fleeting instant that reveals the essence of a situation or person. This concept became a defining characteristic of his work and a guiding principle for many photographers. Cartier-Bresson co-founded the Magnum Photos agency in 1947, along with Robert Capa and other prominent photographers. This cooperative agency aimed to give photographers greater control over their work and its distribution. Through Magnum Photos, Cartier-Bresson documented significant events such as the funeral of Mahatma Gandhi and the Spanish Civil War. Throughout his career, Cartier-Bresson also focused on capturing the juxtaposition and poetry found in everyday life. His photographs often featured ordinary people engaged in simple activities, yet they were imbued with a sense of mystery and significance. His iconic images, such as "Behind the Gare Saint-Lazare" and "Hyères, France," have become symbols of his unique perspective and artistic vision. Cartier-Bresson's contributions to photography extended beyond his camera work. He published several influential books, including "The Decisive Moment" and "Images à la Sauvette," which showcased his photographs and offered insights into his philosophy and approach. He also worked as a filmmaker, sculptor, and painter, demonstrating his versatile artistic talent. Considered a master of black-and-white photography, Cartier-Bresson received numerous awards and accolades throughout his life, including the prestigious Hasselblad Award. His work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, leaving a lasting impact on the field of photography. Henri Cartier-Bresson passed away on August 3, 2004, in Céreste, France, but his images continue to inspire and captivate audiences to this day. His unique ability to capture fleeting moments and his profound contributions to the art of photography have solidified his place as one of the most influential and celebrated photographers of the 20th century.