Ernst Haas (March 2, 1921 – September 12, 1986), a pioneer of colour photography and a master of visual storytelling, transformed the way we see the world. Moving beyond the established conventions of black and white, Haas embraced colour with an expressive freedom that resonated with the dynamism of the 20th century. His work, characterised by its vibrant hues, innovative compositions, and profound humanism, occupies a unique and significant place in the history of photography. This essay explores Haas's journey, from his early influences to his lasting legacy, examining the evolution of his vision and the impact of his groundbreaking contributions.
Early Life:
Born in Vienna, Austria, in 1921, Ernst Haas's early life was marked by both privilege and upheaval. His family's Jewish heritage meant they faced increasing persecution in pre-war Austria. This period of uncertainty and displacement undoubtedly shaped his sensitivity to the human condition, a theme that would become central to his work. Haas's initial interest in photography was sparked by a desire to document the world around him, to capture the fleeting moments of beauty and humanity amidst the growing darkness. He began experimenting with a borrowed Rolleiflex camera, developing a keen eye for composition and light.
Influences and the Embrace of Colour:
Haas's early photographic influences were diverse, ranging from the classic modernism of photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson and László Moholy-Nagy to the more expressive and experimental work of artists like Oskar Kokoschka. He was particularly drawn to the work of Moholy-Nagy, whose exploration of light, form, and abstraction resonated with Haas's own artistic inclinations. However, it was the advent of Kodachrome film, with its vibrant colours and fine grain, that truly ignited Haas's passion for photography. "Colour is not just a fact of life," Haas wrote. "It is an event. It is a happening. It is light, and it is shadow." He saw in colour a new language, a way to express the emotional and sensory richness of the world.
The Evolution of a Style:
Haas's early career was rooted in photojournalism. He documented the struggles of post-war Vienna, capturing the resilience of the human spirit amidst devastation. His photographs from this period, while stark and poignant, already hinted at the poetic vision that would later define his work. He wasn't simply interested in documenting events; he sought to capture the emotional essence of the moment, the underlying human story. As he gained recognition, Haas began to move away from traditional photojournalism, seeking greater artistic freedom. He joined Magnum Photos in 1949, a collective of photographers committed to visual storytelling, which provided him with the platform to explore his own unique vision.
Over time, Haas's style evolved, moving further away from the conventions of documentary photography and towards a more expressive and abstract approach. He experimented with long exposures, motion blur, and unusual perspectives, creating images that were less about literal representation and more about capturing the feeling of a place or the essence of a moment. His use of colour became increasingly bold and expressive, transforming everyday scenes into vibrant tapestries of light and form. "I don't take pictures," Haas explained. "I make pictures." This statement encapsulates his artistic approach, emphasising the creative and subjective nature of his photography.
Key Works and Exhibitions:
Haas's work was showcased in numerous exhibitions and publications throughout his career. His first major solo exhibition, "Ernst Haas: Photography in Color," was held at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York in 1962. This exhibition, curated by John Szarkowski, cemented Haas's reputation as a pioneer of colour photography. Szarkowski, in his introduction to the exhibition catalogue, wrote, "Haas is a master of the fleeting moment, not the decisive moment of Cartier-Bresson, but a moment of light, colour, and form, seized and held with a passionate intensity."
His books, including "The Creation" (1971), "In America" (1975), and "Himalaya" (1980), further showcased the breadth and depth of his artistic vision. "The Creation," a powerful visual interpretation of the biblical creation story, is considered by many to be his magnum opus. The book's stunning colour photographs, combined with excerpts from the Bible, create a profound and moving meditation on the origins of life and the beauty of the natural world. "In America," a collection of vibrant and evocative images of American life, captures the energy and diversity of the nation. "Himalaya," a series of breathtaking photographs of the Himalayan mountains, showcases Haas's mastery of landscape photography and his ability to capture the grandeur and spirituality of nature.
Haas's Place in the History of Photography and Art:
Haas's work played a pivotal role in the acceptance of colour photography as a legitimate art form. He demonstrated the expressive potential of colour, showing that it could be used to create images that were as nuanced, complex, and emotionally resonant as those taken in black and white. His influence can be seen in the work of countless photographers who followed him, particularly those who have embraced colour as a primary means of expression. "Ernst Haas showed us that colour could be more than just a record of reality," wrote photographer Pete Turner. "It could be a language of emotion and feeling."
Haas's photography also fits within the broader context of 20th-century art. His emphasis on abstraction, his use of light and colour as expressive tools, and his focus on capturing the emotional essence of a subject connect his work to the modernist tradition. However, Haas's work also transcends any single artistic movement. His unique vision, his profound humanism, and his ability to find beauty in the everyday make his photography timeless and universal.
The Evolution of Haas's Vision:
Haas's work evolved significantly throughout his career. His early work, while rooted in photojournalism, already hinted at his artistic inclinations. As he gained experience and confidence, he began to experiment more with composition, light, and colour. His style became increasingly abstract and expressive, moving further away from literal representation and towards a more subjective interpretation of the world. "Photography is not about the thing photographed," Haas said. "It is about how it looks photographed." This statement reflects his focus on the visual language of photography, on the way light, colour, and form can be used to create meaning and evoke emotion.
Influence and Legacy:
Haas's influence on contemporary photography is profound. His pioneering use of colour, his innovative compositions, and his commitment to visual storytelling have inspired generations of photographers. His work has also had a broader impact on the art world, demonstrating the power of photography to capture the beauty and complexity of the human experience. "Ernst Haas was a visionary," said photographer Jay Maisel. "He showed us that photography could be poetry."
Haas's legacy extends beyond his photographs. He was also a passionate teacher and mentor, sharing his knowledge and inspiring countless photographers. His writings and lectures on photography continue to be influential, providing insights into his artistic philosophy and his approach to visual storytelling. He encouraged photographers to embrace their own unique vision, to experiment with new techniques, and to use photography as a means of personal expression.
Ernst Haas's photographs are more than just images; they are windows into a world of beauty, emotion, and human connection. They are a testament to the power of photography to capture the fleeting moments of life, to reveal the extraordinary in the ordinary, and to inspire us to see the world in a new light. His work continues to resonate with audiences around the world, reminding us of the enduring power of visual storytelling and the transformative potential of art.
