Saul Leiter: Carte Postale
Gallery FIFTY ONE is thrilled to present “Saul Leiter – Carte Postale,” a unique exhibition showcasing an intimate selection of Saul Leiter‘s rarely-seen, postcard-sized photographs. Among these small gems, visitors will also find a few exceptionally rare color images that enrich the narrative of this remarkable collection.
Opening on Saturday, November 23rd, this exhibition invites viewers into Leiter’s world, where the beauty of everyday life emerges in unexpected ways, highlighting his painterly approach to photography. Recently discovered in Saul Leiter’s estate, these works provide fresh insight into his early artistic vision. Originally printed on small, postcard-sized paper by Leiter himself, these images encapsulate his subtle, poetic observation of ordinary moments—from the vibrant streets of New York to serene interior spaces. Through these works, viewers can witness Leiter’s remarkable ability to transform simple scenes into moving reflections on daily life. Starting as a painter, Saul Leiter brought a refined, painterly sensibility to his photography. Each image he crafted is more than a snapshot; it’s a carefully balanced composition that captures the delicate dance between light and shadow, bringing forth the quiet elegance of urban existence. Leiter’s gift for uncovering beauty in the everyday resonates universally, offering a glimpse into the shared human experience.
Alongside the exhibition, Gallery FIFTY ONE is proud to release its fourth book dedicated to Saul Leiter’s work. This new publication not only includes images from the recently unearthed collection but also features a unique touch: two detachable postcard-sized prints, allowing fans to keep or share these poetic fragments of Leiter’s legacy.
About the Author
Saul Leiter (1923-2013), born in Pittsburgh, developed a passion for art during his late teens. Although encouraged to pursue a career as a Rabbi like his father, Leiter left theology school at 23 to focus on painting in New York. There, his friendships with Abstract Expressionist Richard Pousette-Dart and later photographer W. Eugene Smith deepened his interest in photography. His early black-and-white images revealed an exceptional sensitivity to the medium, and by the 1950s, Leiter began exploring color photography, creating a significant body of work distinguished by a muted, painterly style that set him apart from his peers. Leiter’s debut color photography exhibition took place at the Artist’s Club in the 1950s. His reputation grew when Edward Steichen showcased his works in major exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art. Though Leiter worked as a fashion photographer into the 1970s, his personal projects remained largely unknown until the release of Early Color in 2006, which reignited public interest in his work. Subsequent publications and international exhibits, such as In Living Color (2006), celebrated the range and impact of his artistic contributions. Today, Saul Leiter is recognized as an innovator in early color photography, with his work featured in renowned collections globally. His legacy continues through documentaries like Tomas Leach’s In No Great Hurry: 13 Lessons in Life with Saul Leiter (2012). Leiter remained active as a painter and photographer throughout his life, leaving an enduring mark on both mediums.
Saul Leiter: Carte Postale
November 23, 2024 – February 1, 2025
Gallery FIFTY ONE – Antwerp, Belgium
