The exhibition, curated by Marco Minuz, provides an in-depth look into the career of David Seymour, also known as “Chim,” covering the period from 1936 to 1956. It spans from his early experiences in Paris in the ’30s to his service in the United States Army during World War II, culminating in his involvement with Magnum Photos, which he co-founded in 1947 with Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Capa, George Rodger, and William Vandivert. The 150 selected images include some of his most significant reportages, such as the Spanish Civil War, France in 1936, post-World War II Europe, and the “Children of War” project commissioned by UNICEF. A special section is dedicated to Seymour’s reportage in Venice in 1950, part of a broader project focused on post-war Europe. In these images, including the iconic photograph capturing a gondolier docking at the Esso refueling station on the Grand Canal, Seymour successfully captured the distinctive elements of the lagoon city with a keen, curious, and often ironic eye. The exhibition project also features around fifty pieces, including documents, letters, and periodicals, paying tribute not only to the works but also to the life of one of the greatest names in 20th-century photography.
Featured image: Maria Callas, Rome, Italy, 1956 – Ⓒ David Seymour/Magnum Photo
