Henri Dauman, born April 5, 1933, in Montmartre and passed away September 13, 2023, in Long Island, was a prominent figure in contemporary photography. Of French origin, Dauman made his mark in photojournalism with photos published in Life, Newsweek, and The New York Times Magazine, as well as in Paris Match and Magnum Photos. His iconic photograph of Jacqueline Kennedy at John F. Kennedy's funeral was famously featured by Andy Warhol. A defender of photographers' rights in the U.S., Dauman's work was celebrated later in life with the "The Manhattan Darkroom" retrospective at the Palais d'Iéna in 2014 and the biographical film "Looking Up" in 2018. His influence endures through his significant contributions and unique artistic vision.
Artist Biography: Henri Dauman
Henri Dauman, born April 5, 1933, in Montmartre, Paris, is a seminal figure in contemporary photography. The son of Charles Isaja Dauman, a Polish immigrant and street vendor, and Annette Channa Blumenfeld, Henri's early years were marked by hardship. In 1941, his father was deported and murdered in Auschwitz, while Henri and his mother evaded capture in various hiding places throughout occupied France. After the war, Henri reunited with his mother in Paris, only to face further tragedy with her untimely death. He was placed in orphanages and began his apprenticeship as a photographer in Courbevoie. In 1950, Dauman moved to New York to live with his American uncle. There, he embarked on his photography career, capturing the vibrant essence of the city and its stars. His early work for France-Amérique and other magazines led to significant assignments with Paris Match and Magnum Photos. Dauman’s breakthrough came with his iconic image of Jacqueline Kennedy at President John F. Kennedy's funeral, a photograph that inspired Andy Warhol’s famous "Sixteen Jackies." Throughout the 1960s, Dauman documented the transformative social, political, and cultural landscape of America, from the Kennedy era to the rise of Pop Art and Minimalism. His vivid, cinematic style earned him a prominent place in publications such as Life and The New York Times Magazine.
Despite his success, Dauman often remained in the shadow of the celebrities he photographed. His images of Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Louis Armstrong, and Brigitte Bardot have become integral to the visual history of the 1960s. While his peers recognized his contributions, Dauman’s work was not widely celebrated by the public until later in his career. In 2002, he participated in a collective exhibition at Tate Liverpool, but it was not until 2014 that he received major recognition in France. The retrospective The Manhattan Darkroom at the Palais d'Iéna in November 2014 marked the first major solo exhibition of Dauman's work, showcasing nearly 250 photographs, both iconic and previously unseen. The exhibition drew significant media attention and was ranked among the top five Parisian exhibitions of the year. Following this success, Dauman’s work was featured in exhibitions in Chalon-sur-Saône, Courbevoie, and the William Breman Jewish Heritage & Holocaust Museum in Atlanta.
The late recognition of Dauman's work was further highlighted by the documentary Henri Dauman: Looking Up, directed by Peter Kenneth Jones and premiering at the Hampton Film Festival in 2018. The documentary led to subsequent exhibitions in Los Angeles and Levallois-Perret, and further acclaim in the U.S. and France. Despite spending seven decades in New York, Dauman chose not to adopt American citizenship. His 90th birthday was celebrated with an exhibition in Los Angeles, where new prints, including those of Elvis Presley, were revealed. Henri Dauman passed away on September 12, 2023, in Long Island, New York. His final retrospective is set for February 2024 at the Musée de la Photographie Charles Nègre in Nice. Dauman's legacy endures through his striking visual narratives and his impact on modern photography. As he aptly stated: "Photography is a medium where no words are spoken but everything is said. If the eye listens, the eyes speak."
Brief History of Photography in the United States of America
The practice and appreciation of photography in the United States began in the 19th century, following the introduction of the daguerreotype process from France in 1839. This early form of photography, brought to the U.S. by Englishman D.W. Seager, was quickly adopted and promoted by Samuel Morse, who saw its potential for faithfully reproducing visual images. The first commercial portrait gallery in the country, opened by Alexander Walcott and John Johnson in 1840, marked the beginning of photography’s commercial presence and accessibility. Initially, the medium focused heavily on portraiture, with long exposure times requiring subjects to remain immobile, which made the daguerreotype both a technical and financial commitment. Despite these challenges, the daguerreotype offered a new and relatively affordable way for people to capture their likenesses compared to painted portraits. The field saw a major breakthrough in 1866 with the introduction of color photography, but it was in the 1880s that photography truly began to reach the masses. George Eastman’s Kodak camera, introduced in 1888, revolutionized the medium with its ease of use and portability, allowing everyday people to take and develop their own photographs. This innovation not only made photography more accessible but also transformed it from a specialized art form into a popular and widespread activity, fundamentally changing the way people documented and shared their lives.
Jackie Kennedy Iconic (1963) by Henri Dauman
Henri Dauman, Jackie Kennedy Iconic, 1963). Photography, Non Manipulated Photography / Digital Photography on Paper, 40 cm x 50 cm.
In this hauntingly evocative print by Henri Dauman, the photograph Jackie Kennedy Iconic immortalizes a solemn chapter of American history with profound elegance. Captured amidst the shadows of grief, the image portrays Jacqueline Kennedy and a poignant procession of mourners, including Robert and Edward Kennedy, wending their way through the somber streets of Washington, D.C., towards St. Matthew’s Cathedral. The composition is a masterful study in both human emotion and historical gravitas, framed with a delicate balance of reverence and stillness. Dauman’s lens, a silent observer, reveals the weight of sorrow through the meticulous arrangement of figures—each face a portrait of silent anguish, every step echoing the enormity of the loss felt by the nation. The photograph, measuring 40x50 cm, embraces its subjects with an intimate proximity, allowing the viewer to peer into the raw, unvarnished reality of a nation's collective mourning. The muted tones and soft focus convey a profound sense of depth and timelessness, while the framing and under glass preserve the ephemeral quality of this fleeting moment. As a non-manipulated digital reproduction on Canson Infinity Baryta paper, the print is a testament to Dauman’s ability to transform a singular instant into an enduring symbol of dignity and sorrow. This first edition of only twelve, scanned from the original transparency and presented in its pristine frame, is not just a visual record but an eloquent narrative of a poignant historical moment, resonating with the echoes of a bygone era.
Andy Warhol, Supermarket (1964) by Henri Dauman
Henri Dauman, Andy Warhol, Supermarket, 1964. Photography, Non Manipulated Photography / Digital Photography on Paper, 50 cm x 40 cm.
Andy Warhol, Supermarket (1964) by Henri Dauman is a strikingly historic photograph that captures a seminal moment in the evolution of Pop Art. This limited edition print, one of only three, offers a rare glimpse into the groundbreaking 1964 Bianchini Gallery exhibition where Warhol and other pioneers of the Pop Art movement first showcased their work in the form of a supermarket—a concept that challenged conventional boundaries and redefined artistic presentation. The photograph, meticulously scanned and restored from the original slide, showcases Warhol's iconic Campbell's Soup cans, an emblematic feature of his art that underscores the consumer culture of the time. Measuring 50x40 cm with a print size of 40x26.8 cm, this framed piece is not just a photograph but a document of a transformative era. Dauman’s masterful capture is accompanied by his signature and a handwritten note on the lower left, ensuring its authenticity and historical value. The artwork was produced with exceptional care, using high-quality Canson Infinity Baryta paper and Epson Ultrachrome ink, underscoring its significance as both a visual and cultural artifact. The photograph's presentation is enhanced by its inclusion in the "The Manhattan Darkroom" retrospective at the Palais d'Iéna in 2014, making it a prized addition for any collection dedicated to the legacy of Pop Art and the iconic figures who shaped it.
Iconic Artworks
Henri Dauman’s oeuvre is distinguished by a series of iconic photographs that capture the essence of mid-20th century American culture and prominent figures with a unique blend of spontaneity and intimacy. Among his celebrated works is Dancing Couple, Harlem, NYC 1960, a vibrant portrayal of joyous movement amidst the dynamic backdrop of Harlem. Dauman’s lens also immortalized a defining moment in pop culture with Elvis Returns to Graceland, New Jersey 1960, offering a candid glimpse of the King of Rock and Roll. His comprehensive exploration of Elvis Presley continues with Elvis Presley with His Manager Colonel Parker at Graceland, Memphis, TN, 1960, and Elvis Presley’s 25th Birthday, Graceland, TN, 1960, capturing different facets of the legendary singer's life. Dauman's fascination with the cultural icons of his time is evident in Louis Armstrong, NYC, 1958, and Marilyn Monroe, Donatello Award, Park Ave, NYC, 1959, each image reflecting the charisma and allure of his subjects. The photograph A Sorrowing Family Marches Together, JFK Funeral, Washington, DC, 1963, stands out as a poignant historical record, portraying the somber atmosphere of a nation in mourning. Dauman's range extends to capturing the grandeur of theater with Tennessee Williams 'Paradise on Earth' NYC 1968, and the vibrant jazz scene in Dinah Washington Performing at the Randall Island Jazz Festival, NYC, 1960, as well as Miles Davis, Randall’s Island Jazz Festival, 1960. His work also reflects personal and private moments, such as Anna Moffo at Her NYC Apartment, 1958, and Jane Fonda at Her NYC Apartment, 1963. Through his diverse portfolio, Dauman has created a visual chronicle that not only documents but also elevates the cultural and social tapestry of his era.
Exhibition History
His work was recently celebrated at the Musée de la Photographie, Charles Nègre in Nice, France, with "The Manhattan Darkroom, Henri Dauman Photographies," a poignant retrospective tribute running from February 17 to May 26, 2024, prepared in collaboration with the artist himself. Prior to this, Dauman’s 90th birthday was marked with a special exhibition titled "A Cinematic Eye" at KP Projects La Brea in Los Angeles on April 22, 2023, while his work was also featured in "Looking Up II" at the same gallery on October 15, 2021, and "Henri Dauman Looking Up" at The Art Center Highland Park in Chicago on October 1, 2021. His compelling images have been displayed at The Breman Museum in Atlanta (September 15, 2019), and revisited at KP Projects (April 2018) and Espace Carpeaux in Courbevoie (September 2017), reflecting his enduring impact on the medium. Earlier in his career, Dauman's work was showcased in significant exhibitions such as "The Manhattan Darkroom" at the Musée Nièpce in Chalon-sur-Saône (February 2017), "The Street, the Store, and the Silver Screen: Pop Art from the MCA’s Collection" at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago (December 2015), and the Palais d’Iéna in Paris (November 2014). His historical exhibitions include “The Magnum Archive: Vintage 20th Century” at Kasher Gallery, New York (2005), and “Shopping: a Century of Art and Consumer Culture” at The Tate Liverpool Museum (December 2002). Dauman's significant contributions to documenting pivotal moments in history were further recognized at the German Historical Museum with the John F. Kennedy Exhibition in Berlin (2003) and through his portrayal of the Sixties at Bonni Benrubi Gallery (1999). His work, part of collections at The Museum Of Modern Art, The National Gallery of Canada, and the National Portrait Gallery Smithsonian Institution, remains a cornerstone of 20th-century visual culture.
Henri Dauman's life and career weave a rich tapestry of 20th-century photographic artistry, marked by both his resilience and his profound impact on visual culture. Born in Montmartre and shaped by early hardships, Dauman’s journey from a war-torn childhood to becoming a celebrated photojournalist reflects a remarkable story of artistic triumph. His poignant and often uncelebrated images—spanning iconic portraits of cultural legends like Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley, to historic captures such as Jacqueline Kennedy's solemn procession—offer an intimate lens into the heart of his era. Despite initial obscurity, Dauman's work gained the recognition it deserved through retrospectives like "The Manhattan Darkroom" and the documentary "Looking Up," which revived and celebrated his substantial contributions to photography. As he continued to influence and document the cultural zeitgeist until his passing in 2023, Dauman’s legacy remains immortalized in his striking visual narratives, testament to his enduring role in shaping the visual history of modern America.
Selena Mattei
