Berenice Abbott Quotes

A collection of quotes by Berenice Abbott.

Berenice Abbott (1898-1991) was an influential American photographer known for her significant contributions in capturing the essence of 20th-century modernism. Born in Springfield, Ohio, Abbott initially pursued a career in journalism before discovering her passion for photography. In the early 1920s, she moved to Paris and became an assistant to renowned photographer Man Ray, immersing herself in the thriving artistic community of the time.

Inspired by the avant-garde movements in Europe, Abbott developed her own distinctive style, focusing on architectural and documentary photography. She gained international acclaim for her series "Changing New York," which documented the evolving cityscape of New York City during the 1930s. The project portrayed the city as a visual record of its rapid transformation, showcasing the interplay between historical architecture and modern urban development.

Abbott's photographs reveal her keen eye for composition, precision, and her commitment to capturing the essence of a place or subject. Her work bridges the gap between realism and artistic expression, portraying both the physical characteristics of her subjects and their underlying social and cultural significance.

Throughout her long and prolific career, Berenice Abbott's photographs were exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums worldwide. Later in life, she became a passionate advocate for the preservation and recognition of early 20th-century photographic works, leading to her establishment of the Berenice Abbott Photographic Library. Her enduring impact on the field of photography is evident in her ability to capture the essence of a rapidly changing world and evoke the beauty within its urban landscapes.