Exploring the Colorful World of Saul Leiter

Unveiling the Colorful Canvases

Saul Leiter, a trailblazer in the world of photography, defied conventions by embracing color in an era dominated by black and white imagery. His fascination with umbrellas, captured in a myriad of hues, adds a whimsical touch to his mid-century photographs of New York.

Leiter's iconic image "Footprints," taken around 1950. His work often featured umbrellas.

In a recent retrospective exhibition at MK Gallery, the vibrant umbrellas, along with other colorful elements like shop signs and curtains, come alive on the walls, showcasing Leiter's mastery of color and composition. Leiter's innovative use of color slide film set him apart from his peers, highlighting his keen eye for the beauty in everyday life.

Stefan Irvine, Mau Ping Shan Uk, #1, Hong Kong 2020, Courtesy of Blue Lotus Gallery

A Visionary in the Concrete Jungle

Leiter's abstracted shots of New York streets offer a fragmented yet authentic view of urban life, filled with dynamic elements and intriguing compositions. His photographs, often influenced by weather and atmospheric effects, capture the essence of bustling cityscapes through a unique lens.

"Harlem," 1960. Leiter believed paintings were made but photographs were found.

Despite his unconventional approach to photography, Leiter's work resonates with viewers on a profound level, inviting them to see the world through his artistic vision. From blurred taxis in the rain to reflections in raindrop-covered windows, Leiter's images evoke a sense of poetic beauty in the chaos of the city.

"Lanesville, 1958." The photographer liked to experiment with out of date film, different exposures and unusual framing.

The Artistic Evolution of Saul Leiter

Born into a traditional Jewish family, Leiter's journey to becoming a renowned photographer was a path of unexpected turns and artistic exploration. Initially drawn to painting, Leiter's encounter with photography, influenced by his friendship with photojournalist W. Eugene Smith, paved the way for his iconic visual style.

Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn reclining on a chaise longue in Paris in 1938. The model’s husband photographer Irving Penn reportedly coveted the shot.

While his fashion photography brought financial success, it was Leiter's street photography and experimental techniques that truly defined his artistic legacy. Embracing out-of-date film, unusual exposures, and unconventional framing, Leiter created a body of work that blurred the lines between photography and painting, earning him a place among the artistic luminaries of his time.

An 80-year-old Leiter in his studio in 2003. Photograph by Anders Goldfarb.