Lombard Odier and Fondation Auer Ory pour la Photographie present the "Weegee's New York" exhibition

A collection of 280 original prints taken by the famous photographer Arthur H. Fellig, better known under the pseudonym Weegee, will be on display at Geneva’s Bâtiment d’Art Contemporain (BAC) from September 4 to October 24, 2010, with the support of the Department of Culture of the City of Geneva and Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch & Cie. This will be the third exhibition of these photographs in Europe, following similar events in Montpellier and Madrid.

Consisting exclusively of original black and white prints, the “Weegee’s New York” exhibition showcases the press photographer’s work between 1939 and 1960. Visitors will gain an understanding of all the subjects that were important to Weegee and especially his all-pervasive empathy for his fellow New York citizens in their struggle to survive in the urban jungle: people asleep in far-flung corners of the metropolis, impressive images of blazing fires, crime scenes, daily life, New York at leisure, events, and festivals. Such a wide array of photos bears testimony to the extensive career of this prolific photographer, who was born in 1899 and died in 1968. During his lifetime, he worked for the largest European newspaper companies and gave lectures around the world.

“Supporting this exhibition is part of our commitment to developing and passing on our cultural heritage to future generations. Our approach reflects that of the Fondation Auer Ory pour la Photographie, which is also committed to sharing its collection with as many people as possible,” explains Patrick Odier, Senior Partner at Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch & Cie. “The range of themes addressed at this exhibition is quite extraordinary: aside from its aesthetic qualities, Weegee’s work is particularly valuable in that it encapsulates a whole era.”

“Weegee is considered one of the greatest American photographers of the 20th century. His life was characterized by eclecticism, which made his photos unique in their genre. Thanks to the exceptional variety and quality of the shots, the exhibition is a remarkable experience both for photography enthusiasts and the general public,” explain Michel and Michèle Auer, creators of the Fondation Auer Ory pour la Photographie and passionate collectors.

Initiated in 2009, the Fondation Auer Ory pour la Photographie aims to preserve, promote, distribute, and develop its collection with its unique encyclopedic nature: it chronicles the history of photography from its inception to today. The Fondation is responsible for purchasing photographic works and objects, organizing exhibitions, updating and distributing its encyclopedia database, publishing reference works on photography, and helping promote the work of young, forgotten, and neglected artists, as well as organizing internships and playing host to researchers.

By supporting various cultural projects, Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch & Cie aims to pass on a renewed and enriched heritage to future generations. The Firm has supported the Fondation Martin Bodmer, the Mamco, the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, the Orchestre de Chambre de Genève, the Concours de Genève, the Concours Clara Haskil and the Prix Marcel Duchamp organized by the Association pour la Diffusion Internationale de l’Art Français (ADIAF) in Paris.

The “Weegee’s New York” exhibition will be held at Bâtiment d’Art Contemporain (BAC), Rue des Bains 28, in Geneva from September 4 to October 24 between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. except on Mondays. Entry free of charge.