A pioneering street photographer who captured the gritty, unvarnished reality of urban life, particularly in New York City during the 1930s and 1940s, using a unique, candid style.
Weegee, the pseudonym of Arthur Usher Fellig, was a pioneering photographer and photojournalist known for his raw and unflinching black and white street photography in New York City during the 1930s and 1940s. His work captured the gritty reality of urban life, crime, and death, earning him the nickname "the dean of candid camera."
Born on June 12, 1899, in Zolochiv, Ukraine, Weegee immigrated to New York City with his family in 1909. He grew up in Brooklyn, where he developed a passion for photography, working numerous odd jobs, including as an assistant to a commercial photographer.
Weegee's signature style was born out of his determination to create a job for himself as a freelance photographer. He spent two years working without a police card or credentials, following the city's emergency services and documenting their activity. This approach allowed him to capture the harsh realities of city life, often beating the police to the scene and getting exclusive shots.
Weegee's photography career spanned over three decades, during which he published several photographic books and collaborated with renowned film directors like Jack Donohue and Stanley Kubrick. He worked with major publications, including the New York Post, Life, and Look, and his work was exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art.
Weegee's gritty and unflinching photography style influenced a generation of photographers, including Diane Arbus, Garry Winogrand, and Lee Friedlander. His work also inspired filmmakers like Martin Scorsese and Brian De Palma, who cited Weegee as an inspiration for their cinematic style.
Weegee's photography often sparked controversy, with some critics accusing him of being voyeuristic and exploitative. However, his defenders argued that his work was a raw and honest portrayal of city life, revealing the harsh realities that many preferred to ignore.
Weegee's work was a product of his time, capturing the essence of New York City during the Great Depression and World War II. His legacy continues to inspire photographers and filmmakers today, and his work remains a testament to the power of photography to capture the human experience.
Weegee received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the prestigious Polk Award in 1947.
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