André Ostier, a name synonymous with the artistic and cultural zeitgeist of the mid-20th century, is set to be celebrated in a landmark exhibition this November. Known for his captivating portraits of the era’s leading artists and fashion designers, as well as his enchanting depictions of postwar balls, Ostier’s work offers a window into a world of elegance and creativity. The exhibition, a collaborative effort by L’Association des Amis d’André Ostier, François de Ricqlès Conseil, and Galerie Jacques Lacoste, is a tribute to Ostier’s enduring legacy.
The exhibition, scheduled to run from November 6 to December 2, 2023, will be held at the Galerie Jacques Lacoste, located at 19 Avenue Matignon. The timing of the exhibition coincides with Paris Photo 2023, offering art enthusiasts a chance to immerse themselves in the world of photography. The exhibition will showcase 37 silver prints, providing a unique opportunity to delve into Ostier’s relatively unknown yet strikingly elegant body of work.
Ostier was renowned for his refined portraiture, capturing the essence of his subjects with a unique blend of grace and originality. His close friendships with luminaries such as Christian Dior, Max Jacob, Marcel Achard, Marc Chagall, and Leonor Fini, among others, allowed him unparalleled access to the major artists and fashion designers of his time. The exhibition will feature portraits of iconic figures such as Henri Matisse, Andy Warhol, Joan Miró, Salvador Dalí, Alberto Giacometti, and fashion designers including Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Gabrielle Chanel.
The exhibition has been made possible thanks to the richness of Ostier’s personal archives and the invaluable support of the Association des Amis André Ostier. Ostier once playfully remarked, “I find that in a photograph, there has to be an instant that extends beyond the image.” This exhibition embodies this sentiment, offering a glimpse into the artist’s intentions and the nature of the photographic medium.
The exhibition will be accompanied by a catalogue, conceived by François Cam-Drouhin, a photography specialist. As we anticipate this significant event, we are reminded of the enduring power of photography to capture and preserve the spirit of an era. Through Ostier’s lens, we are invited to step back in time and experience the cultural vibrancy of the mid-20th century.
