Lens Media: Artist Research

Andre Kertesz

André Kertész (2 July 1894 – 28 September 1985), born Kertész Andor, was a Hungarian-born photographer known for his groundbreaking contributions to photographic composition and the photo essay. In the early years of his career, his then-unorthodox camera angles and style prevented his work from gaining wider recognition. Kertész never felt that he had gained the worldwide recognition he deserved. Today he is considered one of the seminal figures of photojournalism.

Expected by his family to work as a stockbroker, Kertész pursued photography independently as an autodidact, and his early work was published primarily in magazines, a major market in those years. This continued until much later in his life, when Kertész stopped accepting commissions. He served briefly in World War I and moved to Paris in 1925, then the artistic capital of the world, against the wishes of his family. In Paris he worked for France's first illustrated magazine called VU. Involved with many young immigrant artists and the Dada movement, he achieved critical and commercial success.

Kertész's famous photograph, "Two Gypsies", was used by The Pop Group for their album For How Much Longer Do We Tolerate Mass Murder?.

Legacy and Honours

1983, honorary Doctorate from the Royal College of Art; and title of Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur in Paris, together with an apartment for future visits to the city.
1984, the Maine Photographic Workshop's first Annual Lifetime Achievement Award;
1984, purchase of 100 prints by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, its largest acquisition of work from a living artist.
1985, Californian Distinguished Career in Photography Award
1985, first Annual Master of Photography Award, presented by the International Center of Photography.
1985, honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Parson's School of Design of the New School for Social Research.
Kertész died peacefully in his sleep at home on 28 September 1985.
He was cremated and his ashes were interred with those of his wife.