André Morain's Photographic Presence(s) at Maison Européenne de la Photographie

The Maison Européenne de la Photographie in Paris presents 'Présence(s) photographique(s) – 50 ans d’art contemporain', a survey of André Morain's work from April 13 to June 16, 2013. Morain, a former Renault worker turned reporter and portraitist of celebrities, entered the art world through his neighbor, gallerist Denise René. From the 1960s onward, he captured artists such as Jean Arp, Max Ernst, Sonia Delaunay, Man Ray, and later figures like César, Calder, Tinguely, Warhol, and Haring. His archive contains over 2,000 photos, but the exhibition features about 100 prints, a limit Morain endorses to avoid viewer saturation. The show includes portraits and documentation of artworks, installations, and performances. Morain's style, influenced by William Klein, emphasizes high contrast and artificial lighting, with film pushed in development. The catalog, published by Nicolas Chaudun, includes 200 images. The review notes the presence of institutional figures but highlights the photographer's discerning eye and the magic of his fleeting moments.