Retrospective Harry Gruyaert at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie in Paris

Copyright uitgeverij Kannibaal

Belgian Magnum photographer Harry Gruyaert(Antwerp, 1941)
has been living in Paris since 1962. After his studies at the School of Film and Photography in Brussels (1959- 1962), he combined commercial work with freelance television work.

When the photographer was living in London(1970- 1972), he broke through with his TV Shots series, pictures of TV shots to criticize the medium's power to manipulate. The experimental series include images of comedy series, the Apollo flights, the Olympics, ... .

His best known work are the series Made in Belgium(1975-1990). In 1976, he was awarded with the Kodak Prize. The artist also documented his trips to Morocco, India, the USA, Middle East and Russia.

Since 1981 Gruyaert may call himself a member of Magnum Photos. From 1986 to 2001 Gruyaert engaged in taking daily pictures of his daughters growing up.

His main motive is the lonely individual in the urban landscape. His colourful magic realist images rarely show people in front view, often covering them with balloons or shadows.

His enchanting work has been shown at the Magnum Gallery in Paris(2013, 2009), the Moscow Photo Biennale(2012), the Photography Museum in Antwerp(2000), Palais de Tokyo(1986) and Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels(1980).

The retrospective of Harry Gruyaert, curated by François Hébel, can be admired at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie in Paris until June 14th 2015. Seventy of his photos are simultaneously shown in Parisian metro stations.

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