Henri Cartier-Bresson, Helen Levitt: the exhibition that takes us to Mexico at the HCB Foundation

They both experienced an initiatory journey in this colorful city, which has seduced many artists... Henri Cartier-Bresson and Helen Levitt tell us about their journey to Mexico City, in this original photo exhibition organized by the Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation, from February 14 to April 23, 2023.

Entitled Henri Cartier-Bresson, Helen Levitt - Mexico, this photo exhibition is presented as a dialogue between the two artists: each one presents his or her experience, encounters and discoveries to the other. About sixty prints are displayed, along with documents that retrace the long journey made by the two photographers to Mexico City.

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Far from the tourist places and postcard landscapes, the two photographers sought to discover the real Mexico City, the one that " is not a curiosity to be visited, but a life to be lived," in the words of Cartier-Bresson.

The Frenchman stayed in Mexico for nine months, fascinated by the cities and the people who lived there. Back in New York in 1935, Henri Cartier-Bresson exhibited his photographs in an art gallery: it was his work that captivated Helen Levitt, convincing her to leave for Mexico City as well, armed with her camera and her curiosity that drove her to everyone she met.

Both artists came back transformed from this trip, which allowed them to refine their photographic technique, to discover new horizons, and to confront a different culture. This journey gave them the opportunity to assert themselves and to perfect their art. Walk in the footsteps of these two artists, as the Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation tells the story of their journey.

Complete your visit to this exhibition by also visiting the one dedicated to Paul Strand.

Exhibition Paul Strand or the balance of forces, a journey in photos at the HCB Foundation
The American photographer Paul Strand is honored at the Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation. Come and discover his work by admiring the exhibition Paul Strand ou l'équilibre des forces, from February 14 to April 23, 2023. [Read more]