The Unseen Saul Leiter

Saul Leiter's previously unseen color slides are now available to the public for the first time. Leiter, a renowned photographer, was rediscovered in his 80s and his work has been re-evaluated since. His images capture the flow and rhythm of life in New York City in luminous color, evoking an atmosphere rather than capturing a decisive moment. This new monograph, curated by the Saul Leiter Foundation, includes previously unpublished slides and provides insight into Leiter's archive and restoration process.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 22 September 2022
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Saul Leiter, a renowned photographer whose work has undergone a significant re-evaluation in recent years, emerged from relative obscurity in his early 80s. Born in Pittsburgh in 1923, he relocated to New York City in 1946 and pioneered a painterly approach to color photography, creating stunning covers for fashion magazines like Esquire and Harper's Bazaar. However, he largely withdrew from public attention in the 1980s.

The publication of his first monograph, Early Color, in 2006 sparked a renewed interest in his work among contemporary audiences. His studio in New York's East Village, where he lived from 1952 until his passing in 2013, now serves as the headquarters of the Saul Leiter Foundation. The Foundation has embarked on a comprehensive survey and organization of Leiter's vast collection, comprising over 80,000 works, with the ultimate goal of compiling the "complete archive."

This remarkable volume, meticulously curated by Margit Erb and Michael Parillo of the Saul Leiter Foundation, presents a selection of previously unpublished color slides discovered during this process. Supported by informative texts that shed light on Leiter's meticulous building of the slide archive and its current exploration, cataloging, and restoration efforts, this monograph is a treasure for photography enthusiasts worldwide.

Leiter's images, characterized by their luminous color and evocative portrayal of mid-century New York City life, stand in stark contrast to his contemporaries who predominantly shot in black and white. His complex and impressionistic photographs, rather than focusing solely on capturing the decisive moment, aim to evoke an atmosphere that captures the essence of his subjects.

Through his lens, Leiter captured the flow and rhythm of city streets, the bustling energy of bustling markets, and the quiet moments of everyday life. His photographs evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing, transporting viewers back to a bygone era.

Saul Leiter's rediscovery has been a testament to the enduring power of his work and his ability to capture the essence of a moment in time. His legacy continues to inspire and influence photographers and art enthusiasts alike, reminding us of the beauty and complexity of the world around us.

Weight: 980g
Dimension: 275 x 215 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500545560