Saul Leiter's Photographic Vision of New York Explored in Retrospective Publication

Photographer Saul Leiter's unique approach to capturing New York City is examined in the retrospective volume 'Saul Leiter. La retrospettiva' published by Contrasto. Michael Greenberg contributed to this publication, which explores Leiter's distinctive photographic style. Described as an 'abstract realist,' Leiter created images that blend painterly qualities with photographic observation. His work often features rain-slicked streets, blurred backgrounds, and vibrant color patches while maintaining recognizable urban elements. Leiter photographed primarily within a few blocks of his residence, rarely venturing far from home. He captured fleeting moments with a natural yet unnatural gaze, comparing his process to that of a landscape painter observing his adopted city. The photographer's eye functions like an eyelid that opens and clicks, seeing things exactly as they exist. His images transform everyday scenes into abstract compositions while preserving the profiles of pedestrians and automobiles.