Ernst Haas (1921, Vienna - 1986, New York) is one of the most important representatives of photojournalism and, as a pioneer of colour photography, created unsurpassed works of art. His journalistic eye and unmistakable visual language have made his black-and-white photographs of life in destroyed post-war Vienna unique documents of the times.

Above all, the moving series on the first returnees from Russian wartime captivity is still one of the most important milestones of reportage photography.

For Haas, it was the prelude to an unprecedented career. After emigrating to the USA, he was the first Austrian to become a member and later president of the Magnum photo agency and played a major role in shaping the heyday of illustrated news magazines. In the early 1950s, Haas discovered colour photography, which was still frowned upon at the time. His New York essay Images of a Magic City was to become the first major series of pictures Life ever printed in colour. In 1962, he was also the first colour photographer to have a solo show at the Museum of Modern Art. 

In this comprehensive exhibition, WestLicht presents around 120 works from all creative periods of the exceptional Viennese photographer. A cooperation with the Ernst Haas Estate, with additional loans from the Museum der Moderne Salzburg, the Fritz Simak Collection and the OstLicht Collection.

ERNST HAAS
THE ART OF SEEING

Duration: 17.11.2022–12.02.2023