Exhibit: HCB Foundation presents Greenberg collection

The Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation is hosting the private photography collection of Howard Greenberg, from January 16 through April 21, 2013. This well put together ensemble is absolutely charming, with personality and heartfelt emotion displayed in every photograph. It is an exhibit like this that cements Howard Greenberg's reputation as a curator of spectacular collections.

The two room exhibit is filled with images exemplifying artistic expression. In the first room, a variety of street scenes and still lifes are presented side by side. Photographs like Jaromir Funke’s “Spirales” (1924), in which the flexibly-braided metal hose tells its own story. The image appears to be more of a shiny art piece than a functional household accessory. Just across the room is Dorothea Lange’s evocative image of a mother nurturing her children in "Migrant Mother"(1936), as well as her serious natured man in “Migratory Cotton Picker” (1940).

Howard Greenberg’s style permeates the room, revealing his clear knack for assembling collections that work well together. This was evidenced by captivating images such as Manuel Alvarez Bravo’s “Los Agachados” (1934), where the camaraderie is nicely captured. Also, in Lewis Hine’s “Powerhouse Mechanic” (1924), the expression of the man portrayed is a simple translation of determination and power. Another example is Hamilton Wright’s famous “Lunch Atop a skyscraper” Rockefeller Center (1932). In this well known image, eleven men sit above the clouds; taking a break, they seem so happy and relaxed and entirely indifferent to the fact that they are towering thousands of feet above the ground. A final attention grabbing image is Walker Evans’ “Enseigne Lumineuse” (1930). Though Evans is known for his scenes from the great depression, even this simple understated signage comes to life when sitting amongst the other carefully paired works.

From images of a serious nature nearing despair, through to story telling still lifes, the artistic talent presented in the two rooms is simply remarkable. Needless to say, you will have a wonderful time gazing at each image in this collection if you have chance to visit to the Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation while this exhibit is in Paris.