In the realm of 20th-century photography, few artists possess the poetic vision and compositional mastery of André Kertész. This Hungarian-born luminary, who called New York City home for over three decades, left an indelible mark on the world of street photography. From the window of his 12th-floor Greenwich Village apartment, Kertész captured the pulsating energy and everyday moments that defined the city’s essence.
The Perfect Perch: Kertész’s Greenwich Village Vantage Point
When André and Elizabeth Kertész settled in New York in 1952, they sought an apartment that would not only serve as a home but also as a creative sanctuary. The couple meticulously explored every unit in the building at 2 Fifth Avenue, ultimately selecting a 12th-floor gem that offered an unparalleled view of the city’s tapestry.
From this lofty perch, Kertész embarked on a visual odyssey that would span more than 30 years. His window became a portal through which he observed and captured the ever-changing landscape of New York City life. Armed with his camera and an intuitive understanding of light and geometry, Kertész transformed seemingly ordinary scenes into extraordinary works of art.
Unveiling the Poetry of the Everyday
Kertész’s images from his Greenwich Village window reveal a city teeming with hidden poetry. His lens sought out the unexpected beauty in the interplay of architectural forms, the dance of light and shadow, and the quiet moments of human interaction. Through his photographs, the rooftops and fire escapes of New York City become a stage upon which the drama of daily life unfolds.
“The artist’s world is limitless. It can be found anywhere, far from where he lives or a few feet away. It is always on his doorstep.”
– Paul Strand, American photographer and filmmaker
One of Kertész’s most iconic images, “Sunny Day in New York” (1978), epitomizes his ability to elevate the mundane to the extraordinary. The photograph depicts a sunbather, hidden from the bustling streets below, lounging amidst a geometric maze of rooftop extensions and fire escapes. The composition masterfully balances the rigidity of the architectural forms with the organic curves of the human figure, creating a visual symphony that captures the essence of urban life.
A Legacy of Light and Shadow
Kertész’s influence on the world of photography extends far beyond his own images. His innovative approach to composition, honed during his years in Paris among the avant-garde, inspired generations of photographers who followed in his footsteps. His mastery of light and shadow, his ability to find abstraction in reality, and his unwavering commitment to capturing the poetry of the everyday continue to resonate with contemporary artists and audiences alike.
The upcoming auction of the personal collection of British photographer Dorothy Bohm, who passed away in 2022, features a print of “Sunny Day in New York” gifted to her by Kertész himself. This rare gem serves as a testament to the enduring impact of Kertész’s vision and the deep connections he forged within the photographic community.
A Window on the World
André Kertész’s photographs from his Greenwich Village window offer a timeless glimpse into the heart of New York City. Through his lens, the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the city’s streets and rooftops become a canvas upon which the human experience is painted. His images remind us that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places, and that the power of observation can transform our understanding of the world around us.
As we look upon Kertész’s photographs, we are invited to see the city through his eyes—to marvel at the interplay of form and light, to find poetry in the everyday, and to embrace the limitless possibilities of the artist’s world. In doing so, we not only pay tribute to a master of the medium but also rediscover the magic that lies just beyond our own windows.
