We know Estonia
25.3.2025 | Culture

Fotografiska’s spring exhibition opens its doors to the world of Elliott Erwitt

Text Johanna Heinonen

Photos © Elliott Erwitt, Magnum Photos

Fotografiska’s spring exhibition opens its doors to the world of Elliott ErwittFRANCE. Paris. 1989. Eiffel tower 100th anniversary.

 

A retrospective photography exhibition, “Through the Playful Eyes of Elliott Erwitt”, opened at Tallinn’s Fotografiska, showcasing the work of legendary photographer Elliott Erwitt (1928–2023) from a seven-decade creative journey. The major exhibition of almost a hundred images showcases Erwitt’s unique ability to combine the lightness of life, humour, and depth with street photography. The exhibition opens on March 20–21 and will be open until the end of August.

The exhibition is a tribute to the extraordinary career and talent of the legendary photographer. Known for his ability to be in the right place at the right time, Erwitt’s images tell stories of everyday moments in life with a warm and light touch, yet never forgetting to be deeply reflective. The exhibition includes his iconic black and white images, rarely seen works, and colour photographs from the latter part of his career.

Born in Paris and raised in Milan, Erwitt moved to Los Angeles as a teenager, where his interest in photography was sparked. Later, in New York, he met great influencers in the field, such as Edward Steichen and Robert Capa. Erwitt’s career began in Europe in 1949, and in 1953 he was invited to join Magnum Photos. He had a distinguished career in photojournalism, fashion, and advertising photography, and directed documentaries and comedy films.

Erwitt also captured historic moments, such as President Nixon and Jacqueline Kennedy in the White House, as well as photographing major stars of his time, including Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, and Andy Warhol.

Maarja Loorents, the exhibition director at Fotografiska, describes Erwitt’s style as a combination of humour and deep emotion. “Elliott photographed life in all its richness, and managed to capture the most impactful moments. As a photographer, he never placed himself above his subjects, but rather put his model ahead of himself, whether it was a person or a dog. That is the mark of a great photographer. We have long dreamed of presenting his work on such a large scale in Tallinn, and it is a great pleasure to open spring with Erwitt’s exhibition,” Loorents comments.

More information about the exhibition and Fotografiska can be found here.

 

ITALY. Milan. 1991.
SPAIN. Madrid. 1995. Prado Museum.
USA. New York, New York. 1999.
FRANCE. Paris. 1989.
USA. New York, New York. 1954. American actress Marilyn MONROE.
USA. New York City. 1986. American singer/actress Grace JONES and artist Andy WARHOL.

 

 

To learn more about this and similar topics
Art Exhibitions art museums Elliott Erwitt Exhibitions Fotografiska Museums photography exhibitions Telliskivi

1.6.2025 | Restaurants

camera icon5
An Enticing Journey to a Creative Neighbourhood

An Enticing Journey to a Creative Neighbourhood

Põhjala Factory (Põhjalatehas) is Kopli’s own creative district, just as Telliskivi is in Kalamaja. The development of the area … Read more

30.5.2025 | Culture

Ride the Currents of Iceland

Ride the Currents of Iceland

Kumu’s Courtyard Festival is back for a second year, this time celebrating the art and culture of Iceland with … Read more

30.5.2025 | Culture

DragonForce and Around The Sun join the Tallinn Rock Festival lineup, and many are Finns

DragonForce and Around The Sun join the Tallinn Rock Festival lineup, and many are Finns

Tallinn Rock Festival has announced additional performers in their lineup: British power metal band DragonForce, and Estonian indie rock … Read more

29.5.2025 | Culture

Tallinn’s Old Town Days Begins in a Week

Tallinn’s Old Town Days Begins in a Week

Tallinn’s Old Town Days celebrates the city’s rich cultural heritage, its blend of medieval and modern architecture, and the … Read more

29.5.2025 | History

camera icon7
New Book Published on the History of Noblessner Harbour 

New Book Published on the History of Noblessner Harbour 

Did you know that over a hundred years ago, Noblessner Harbour served as a tsarist submarine shipyard, where the … Read more

28.5.2025 | Culture

A Descent into the Tartu of 1985

A Descent into the Tartu of 1985

Everyone who visits Estonia, and especially Tartu, is enchanted with the architecture, the landscape, the streets, and especially the … Read more

28.5.2025 | Culture

camera icon7
Tommy Cash, nublu and Efterklang will take to the stage at Station Narva

Tommy Cash, nublu and Efterklang will take to the stage at Station Narva

Station Narva, the music and city festival taking place in Narva from 4 to 7 September, has announced its … Read more

27.5.2025 | Culture

Imagine Dragons to Perform in Tallinn

Imagine Dragons to Perform in Tallinn

Hugely popular American pop-rock band Imagine Dragons will have their first concert in Estonia on Tuesday, 3 June at … Read more