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Photographer Robert Doisneau not only lived his whole life in Paris, he strove to capture its very essence on film.
"His photographs make you want to go to Paris," said Karen McGuire, gallery coordinator for the William D. Cannon Art Gallery, which is featuring an exhibit of the late photographer's works, "Robert Doisneau's Paris." "When you look at these photos, you definitely feel as if you're there. They show you what a magical city it is."
Doisneau (1912-1994) became one of France's most respected and prolific reportage photographers. His works of Paris span the years of 1934 to 1969, a time when the city was experiencing an artistic renaissance. Although his work alternates between the harsh and lovely aspects of Parisian culture, he is best known for his work of ordinary people.
"His work brings a human touch to the city," said McGuire. "His work is witty and whimsical. He had the ability to connect with everyday life. There's a scene with children playing and it's the same things American children were doing, just in another country. He makes us laugh because someone in his photos will make you think of someone in your family. There's just this connection to what we know."
The majority of the 100 gelatin silver prints in this exhibit are of everyday Parisians. Although there is one shot of artist Pablo Picasso, Doisneau loved capturing the exuberance of the Paris streets, photographing revelers, beggars, artists, dancers and young lovers. In fact, the most famous photograph of Doisneau's career is of two unidentified people embracing. "Baiser de l'Hotel de Ville (Kiss at the Hotel de Ville, 1950)" is one of those immediately recognizable images that defined an artist's career.
This traveling exhibition appealed to the Cannon staff because of its medium and its international feel.
"One of our missions is to show a variety of medium and arts from all over the world ---- not just from California," said McGuire. "Photography is one of the mediums that we try to feature at least once a year. When we had the opportunity to bring an international exhibit ---- especially of an artist of Doisneau's stature ---- we jumped at it. He was a major force in the history of fine art photography."
Doisneau also recorded the city during the Nazi occupation. But even then, his eye for showing people overcame the tragedy.
"His work documents a slice of world history," said McGuire. "But he uses it as a backdrop ---- as a subtle reminder that this was going on, yet people still went on with their everyday lives."
It's in that way Doisneau fulfilled his ambition to capture the essence of Paris in his photos.
"His photographs transport you to a different time and place," said McGuire. "That's what makes them so interesting."