Dancer Ballet Errante, 1932 © Courtesy Galerie Karsten Greve St. Moritz, Paris, Köln

The corner gallery Karsten Greve always has interesting photo exhibitions and Ilse Bing‘s works 1928-1935, are no exception. Shot in Frankfurt and Paris by the German artist (1899-1998), nicknamed the “Queen of the Leica”, these pictures show the research made by this self taught photographer who privileged spontaneity for her photojournalism. When she moves to Paris in 1930, Ilse Bing adds poetry to her realistic style. The camera was really an extension of her eye just like it would become for Cartier Bresson later one.

Flowers (Ostern), 1928 © Courtesy Galerie Karsten Greve St. Moritz, Paris, Köln

The choreographer George Balanchine notices her and asks her to take pictures at the Rehearsal of his ballet “Errante” in 1933. She also takes advertising photographs for fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli‘s evening fragrance “Salut de Schiaparelli” at moon light. The way she frames her pictures is very particular, as she is often inspired by geometry and she tends to pay attention to minute details of urban life which make her very modernist. She knew Berenice Abbott and André Kertész’s work and adds spontaneity and light to their style.

Pont Des Arts, 1931 @Courtesy Galerie Karsten Greve Paris Köln St Moritz

Prints sell fro 11 000 to 35 000€ at Karsten Greve Paris until July 31.