Mardi 02 Juin 2015 11:57:54 par Laure Chastant dans Expositions

Beginning in 1954, on assignment for the US Army, Perlmutter traveled through Europe. “Europe in the Fifties. Through a Soldier’s Lens” shows a selection of his images taken in Germany, France, Italy, Portugal and Spain. The 82-year old’s work is a historical treasure that will be presented for the first time in Berlin.

The photographer’s view of war-torn Europe is direct and intuitive. Without much background knowledge and with a somewhat biased opinion primarily shaped by films he had watched, the young GI set out to start his coverage in a discrete manner; always conscious of his subjects privacy. With an open mind and obvious interest in people, he witnesses a Europe, which is marked by visual reminders of a war that had been fought ten years earlier. Despite post war and the austerity he witnesses a Europe determined to move forward. It is all there in front of Perlmutter’s camera, which captures street scenes as a curious and impartial spectator. He never judges, but always leaves his subjects with a sense of dignity. "The streets became a stage and the people the actors, in a constantly changing and fascinating theatre of reality", Perlmutter comments on his photographic inspiration.

© Bill Perlmutter

It all started in December 1954, when the then 22-year old soldier boarded a troopship to Germany, to start his new assignment as a photographer for the U.S. Army. The first images from Perlmutter’s Rolleiflex were taken during the rough transatlantic voyage. Even though he had never left the United States and was a bit apprehensive about his future, Perlmutter was "looking forward to photographing Europe and visiting all those wonderful places that I had read about and seen in the movies." His first leave after his deployment to Augsburg Germany, brought him to Paris, the city of light and home to many of his favorite photographers. "The hotel was 4th class but the city was in a class by itself".

©  Bill Perlmutter

Permutter‘s view of post-war Italy was strongly influenced by the gritty realistic films such as "The Bicycle Thief" by Victorio de Sica. His preconceptions of Italy were further challenged when he found most Italians to be congenial, outgoing and optimistic about the future. „Rome was a living history lesson and Venice the most enchanting city I had ever seen.”Perlmutter’s photographs taken in Spain and Portugal display an honest interest in the conditions and the cultural distinctions that existed post war. His images are a testament to the different living standards in various parts of Europe.
 

© Bill Perlmutter

Almost 60 years after the images were conceived, they clearly document the photographer’s sense of the special moment. Every image becomes a lively piece in the puzzle of remembrance and an accurate report on the historical period inserting great meaning into personal encounters. His insightful work will continue to inform and delight for many years to come. Even as time passes, the images remain fresh.


Galerie Hilaneh von Kories
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