My favorite photograph of ever is one by André Kertész

Time to reveal my favorite photograph and I explain why

André Kertész Lost Cloud, New York 1937

“André Kertész Lost Cloud, New York 1937” shows how street photography is first and foremost a mental approach. So to those who don't know much about it, it appears to be a simple architectural photograph, but it isn't. The artistic intent is clear and creates an association, a strong sense of mystery, with its own distinct semantics. This photograph, one of my absolute favorites, shows the strength of the street photographer's experience on the street. Which doesn't limit itself to showing only human beings, but rather reveals the state of mind, the experience of being on the street and photographing, of being able to capture shapes and symbols, of inserting art into the frame through the framing, through what is found and through the revealed shot. The conditio is rather the state of mind and the approach. We are certainly talking about an old photograph, in which the term street photography was not yet commonly accepted, but this does not mean that even then street photographs were not being taken (and not on the street). It is no coincidence that Kertész was a fundamental reference for Henri Cartier-Bresson.

Composition

Visual Structure: The photograph features a small, solitary cloud positioned in the open sky to the left of a towering building that dominates the right side of the frame. The building's vertical lines contrast sharply with the organic, fluffy shape of the cloud. The image is cropped in such a way that the building's height is emphasized, extending out of the frame, which underscores the sense of scale and the imposing nature of the urban landscape. It is a vertical shot, that is a declaration of photographic vision.

Use of Space: Kertész used space masterfully where the blacks and the whites are managed perfectly. The empty sky occupies the left side of the frame, providing a stark contrast to the densely packed windows and rigid structure of the building on the right. The use of negative space draws attention to the "lost" cloud and accentuates the vastness of the urban environment.

Lines and Shapes: The rigid, repetitive lines of the building create a sense of order and monotony, which is disrupted by the presence of the irregularly shaped cloud. This contrast highlights the tension between natural and man-made elements. The vertical lines of the building also guide the viewer's eye upward, emphasizing the cloud's isolated position in the sky. The result is a compelling image, endowed with dynamism despite being a fixed scene.

Subject Matter

Symbolism: The single cloud can be seen as a metaphor for individuality or the sense of being out of place within the structured, impersonal urban environment. That is why the reading pof the picture is not just a cloud and a building portion. The cloud's isolation in the vast sky against the backdrop of the monolithic building suggests themes of solitude and displacement. I read this also as a symbol for all those who feel outside the system, unframed, singing alone and not in chorus, choosing to be independent, maybe even considered outsiders. In that building there are people working in a business. I'm out flying.

Urban vs. Natural: The photograph juxtaposes the natural (the cloud) with the artificial (the skyscraper). This contrast might comment on the encroachment of urbanization on nature or evoke a sense of longing for the natural world within the confines of city life. The cloud’s small, delicate form against the vast, imposing building highlights the fragile nature of the individual or the natural world in the face of overwhelming urban development. The cloud is the freedom, the building is the prison.

Emotional Impact

Mood: The image evokes a sense of melancholy and contemplation. The "lost" cloud, small and alone in the sky, suggests feelings of loneliness and alienation. The black-and-white format adds to the somber tone, stripping the scene of color and further emphasizing the stark contrast between the cloud and the building. It is a great metropolitan point of view. It is a reference to me as a photographer, working most of the time on the street.

Viewer Engagement: Kertész's photograph engages viewers by inviting them to reflect on their own experiences of isolation and solitude. The simplicity of the composition allows for personal interpretation, making the photograph emotionally resonant. Viewers might project their feelings onto the cloud, seeing it as a symbol of their own search for identity or place within a vast, impersonal world. I repeat: it is not just a cloud and a building.

Context and Legacy

Historical Context: Taken in 1937, the photograph reflects the era's social and economic conditions, including the lingering effects of the Great Depression and the rapid urbanization of New York City. Kertész's work often explored themes of modernity and its impact on human experience, making "Lost Cloud" a poignant commentary on the times. I love to photograph buildings from below. If you think that is not a street photograph, I am sorry for you.

Artistic Influence: "Lost Cloud, New York 1937" is a testament to Kertész's ability to find profound meaning in everyday scenes. His use of minimalist composition and strong contrasts has influenced many photographers and artists who seek to capture the poetic and poignant aspects of urban life. The photograph's enduring appeal lies in its ability to convey complex emotions and themes through simple yet powerful imagery. The ones thinking street photography needs to be only compex images from the point of view of how many objects/subjects are into the frame don’t get that comp’lexity is not about the quantity.

Conclusion

This masterpiece by André Kertész is a powerful example of minimalist photography that uses composition, contrast, and symbolism to explore themes of isolation, urbanization, and the human experience. Its emotional depth and visual simplicity continue to resonate with viewers, making it a timeless piece of art. It is a photograph made almost a century ago and yet is a reference to understand about the experience of a photographer shooting in the streets.