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Exhibition focuses on portrait master
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THE name Yousuf Karsh (1908-2002) might not be unfamiliar to local art lovers, but his masterful portraits of some of the world’s most notable figures will surely be known to many.
An exhibition featuring nearly 100 of Karsh’s photos is now on view at Duoyunxuan Art Center through the end of this month. The images are on loan from private collector Shelton Chen.
The show is one of a series of events taking place for the Shanghai International Photographic Festival.
The portraits showcased at the exhibition were captured by Karsh from the 1930s to the 1980s. Subjects include Winston Churchill, John Kennedy, Pablo Piccaso, Soong May-ling and Ingrid Bergman. Visitors can learn more about the images and their subjects by scanning QR codes to obtain information via WeChat.
On entering the exhibition, visitors are greeted by an inscription on the wall that Karsh wrote in his portfolio in 1967: “Within every man and woman a secret is hidden, and as a photographer it is my task to reveal it if I can. The revelation, if it comes at all, will come in a small fraction of a second with an unconscious gesture, a gleam of the eye, a brief lifting of the mask that all humans wear to conceal their innermost selves from the world. In that fleeting interval of opportunity the photographer must act or lose his prize.”
‘The Roaring Lion’
Karsh was a master at capturing the inner lives of his subjects.
One of Karsh’s most famous pictures, “The Roaring Lion,” which shows a scowling Winston Churchill captured in the early days of World War II, is a highlight of the exhibition.
The story is often told of how Karsh captured this iconic image of Churchill. With the war with Germany hanging heavily on his thoughts, Churchill was in no mood for portraiture and only agreed to give Karsh two minutes.
Regarding Karsh’s camera as Churchill might regard the German enemy, this expression suited Karsh perfectly. But a cigar stuck between Churchill’s teeth seemed incongruous with the solemn atmosphere of the moment. Instinctively, Karsh removed the cigar. At this the Churchill’s scowl deepened, his head was thrust forward belligerently, and his hand was placed on his hip in an attitude of anger. The image captured Churchill and the Britain of the time perfectly — defiant and unconquerable. Churchill later said to him, “You can even make a roaring lion stand still to be photographed.” This remark inspired the title of the famous portrait.
Date: Through December 31, 10am-5pm
Venue: Duoyunxuan Art Center
Address:1188 Tianyaoqiao Rd
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