Ernst Haas: The American West

Ernst Haas, a photographer for Life magazine, was an early adopter of Kodachrome film, which he used to capture the geographic and cultural landscapes of America. His images, filled with poetry, pattern, and light, communicated a journalist's point of view of rural poverty, suburban comfort, and the American West. This book offers a vision of America that is both distant and familiar.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 27 September 2022
Publisher: Prestel

Ernst Haas, the photographer behind Life magazine's groundbreaking first all-color photographic essay, etched his name into the annals of history as an early pioneer of Kodachrome film. Hailing from Austria, the artist had already made a name for himself in the realm of black and white photography, but his transition to America in 1951 marked a pivotal moment in his career. As a member of the esteemed Magnum agency, Haas revolutionized the genre with his vibrant and color-saturated images, perfectly capturing the diverse landscapes and cultural tapestry of the United States. His compositions, characterized by a distinct visual language infused with poetry, pattern, and light, showcased a profound understanding of the country's geography and its people. Whether depicting desert storms, iconic Route 66 gas stations, the dazzling neon of Las Vegas, or the sprawling prairies, dilapidated farms, small-town parades, and bustling city sidewalks, Haas masterfully composed images that evoked a sense of both poignancy and familiarity. At the same time, his photographs carried a journalist's perspective, offering insights into rural poverty, suburban comfort, and the enduring myth of the American West. This remarkable book presents a captivating vision of America, one that strikes a delicate balance between distance and familiarity, leaving a lasting impression on its readers.

Weight: 1500g
Dimension: 298 x 241 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783791388250