Joseph Breitenbach was a prominent American artist and photographer who made significant contributions to the development of photography as an art form. He was born in Munich, Germany in 1896 and moved to the United States in 1933, where he continued to produce his signature surrealist works. Breitenbach's style was characterized by his ability to combine close-up details with abstract patterns, resulting in unique and visually stunning photographs. Throughout his career, Breitenbach was an active member of the surrealist movement, producing works for both magazines and art galleries. His most notable works include African Dance from 1939 and Table and Chairs from 1942. Breitenbach also created multiple collections of photographic prints while employed at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, including Harlem Document and The French Collection. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Breitenbach was also a prolific writer and essayist, contributing significantly to the expansion of knowledge in the field of photography. He wrote multiple books and essays on the subject, including The Art of Photomontage and Photography as a Medium of Expression. Breitenbach's legacy continues to influence the world of photography today, with his innovative techniques and unique style inspiring generations of photographers. He passed away in 1984, leaving behind a rich and diverse body of work that continues to captivate audiences around the world.
Joseph Breitenbach, American artist, photographer, surrealist works, Museum of Modern Art, Harlem Document, The French Collection, writer, essayist, legacy
CITATION : "Joseph Edwards. 'Joseph Breitenbach.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=383757 (Accessed on July 16, 2025)"
Joseph Breitenbach was an American artist and photographer known for his signature style of combining abstract elements with photography. He contributed to the development of the field of photography through his surrealist works, which blended close-up details with abstract patterns. He was a key member of the surrealist movement, producing high-quality works for both magazines and art galleries. Notable works by Breitenbach include 'African Dance' from 1939 and 'Table and Chairs' from 1942. He also created multiple collections of photographic prints while employed at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Among his most acclaimed works are the 'Harlem Document' and 'The French Collection'. Breitenbach also wrote multiple books and essays regarding photography, which expanded knowledge of the field in general.
Surrealism, photography, Joseph Breitenbach, art, Museum of Modern Art
— Mei Wang
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