The artists William Klein (1926-2022) and Shelly Silver (1957) are not only united by their birthplace New York, but also by their great interest in the multi-layered relationship between humans and their urban environment. Both William Klein’s photographs and films and Shelly Silver’s films and video installations tell of the diverse interactions within urban environments and their effects on individuals and communities.
Famous above all for his photographs and photo books, William Klein initially studied sociology, but then turned to art. In the beginning, he focused on painting, before later turning to photography and film. His photographs are characterized by an exceptionally sensitive view of his subjects. He had an extraordinary ability to capture emotions and experiences in the vibrant chaos of cities in his photographs. Klein’s images reveal a deep understanding of the socio-cultural dynamics of the places where he found his motifs, such as New York, Paris, Rome and Tokyo. William Klein’s iconic photo books merge the artistic diversity of his work. Unique layouts combine image and text to create unusual narratives and views of the urban landscapes he photographs and their inhabitants. As a filmmaker, Klein’s work was characterized above all by his political commitment. His films are impressive statements against racism and exclusion. One of his most compelling works is his cinematic portrait of Mohamed Ali.
William Klein Klein’s work has been honored with various awards and international exhibitions. His works have been exhibited at the ICP Center of Photography, New York, the Tate Modern, London, the Deichtorhallen in Hamburg and at C/O Berlin, among others. William Klein died in 2022 in his adopted home of Paris.
