Over the course of his seven-decade career, Louis Stettner created a singular approach to photographing everyday life. He developed a unique point of view that melded the boldness of American street photography with the softer humanism more characteristic of his Paris contemporaries. He traveled between New York and Paris — his “two loves,” as he called them — constantly finding new inspiration in that geographical duality. From thoughtful images of rush-hour commuters to tranquil observations of daily routines, this thematic retrospective displays the remarkable breadth of Stettner’s work.
Born in 1922 in Booklyn, New York, Stettner's journey into photography began at the age of thirteen when his parents gifted him a box camera, igniting a passion that would shape his entire existence. As a teenager, Stettner immersed himself in the world of photography, studying the works of masters such as Alfred Stieglitz, Clarence H. White, and Paul Strand at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
In 1941, at the age of eighteen, Stettner enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a combat photographer during World War II. His experiences documenting the realities of war profoundly influenced his photographic vision, instilling in him a deep faith in humanity's resilience and strength. Following his discharge from the army in 1945, Stettner returned to New York City and continued his photographic pursuits, collaborating with the Photo League and receiving guidance from influential figures like Sid Grossman. In 1947, he embarked on a trip to Paris that would extend into five transformative years, during which he organized groundbreaking exhibitions and became an integral part of the post-war photography scene in Europe.
Upon his return to New York in the early 1950s, Stettner established himself as a freelance photographer, contributing to renowned publications such as Life, Time, and Paris-Match. In addition to his photographic work, Stettner began writing about photography, offering insights into its historical development from the perspective of a working photographer. He later transitioned into teaching and lecturing, sharing his expertise with aspiring photographers at institutions like Cooper Union and Long Island University.
Throughout his career, Stettner continued to evolve creatively, experimenting with new techniques and mediums such as painting, drawing, and sculpting. His contributions to the art world were recognized with prestigious awards, including the Chevalier de l'ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French government in 2001. Louis Stettner's legacy lives on through his iconic photographs and his enduring influence on generations of photographers. Stettner died in Paris on October 13, 2016 a month after the closing of his widely acclaimed exhibition, Ici Ailleurs, at the Centre Pompidou.