The Big Picture: Ernst Scheidegger's Back-bending Ballerinas
This article explores a photograph taken by Ernst Scheidegger in the 1950s of young dancers at Madame Rousanne's ballet studio in Paris.
Ernst Scheidegger and the Magnum Agency
The photograph in question was captured by Swiss photographer Ernst Scheidegger in the mid-1950s. During this time, Scheidegger worked as an associate of the Magnum agency, focusing on photojournalism in France and other locations.
Scheidegger had been brought into the agency three years prior by his mentor and fellow Swiss photographer Werner Bischof. Unfortunately, tragedy struck when Bischof died in a car accident in May 1954 during an assignment in the Peruvian Andes. Just nine days later, Magnum founder Robert Capa was also killed after stepping on a landmine in Vietnam. Capa had taken Scheidegger's place in Vietnam on commission for Life magazine, as Scheidegger's visa application was unsuccessful.
These heartbreaking events deeply affected Scheidegger, prompting him to abruptly leave Paris and photojournalism. He began working as a lecturer at a visual design school in Ulm, Germany. Although he continued to pursue photography throughout his life, Scheidegger also explored other artistic mediums such as filmmaking, editing, publishing, and painting.
The Unseen Archive
Scheidegger rarely spoke about the deaths of Bischof and Capa, and he carefully archived the photographs he had taken in the early 1950s. Among these archives is an unopened box of prints, which contains work gifted by his former Magnum colleagues and friends.
To commemorate the centenary of Scheidegger's birth, an exhibition titled 'Eye to Eye' is showcasing some of his archived works from the 1950s, alongside his celebrated portraits of artists like Alberto Giacometti. This exhibition provides a unique opportunity for viewers to see some of Scheidegger's early photographs, many of which have never been shown before.
The 'Eye to Eye' exhibition will take place at MASI in Lugano, Switzerland, starting from 18 February and ending on 21 July.
Discovering Ernst Scheidegger's Photographs
Scheidegger's photograph of the young dancers offers a glimpse into the vibrant world of ballet in 1950s Paris. It captures the grace and dedication of these aspiring dancers at Madame Rousanne's ballet studio.
The photograph serves as a reminder not only of Scheidegger's talent as a photographer but also of the tragedies that shaped his career. Through 'Eye to Eye', viewers can gain a deeper appreciation for his work and the impact of those pivotal moments in his life.
This exhibition is an opportunity to explore the connection between visual arts and photography, as well as to delve into the stories behind the lens. 'Eye to Eye' invites audiences to engage with Scheidegger's captivating imagery and to reflect on the fragility and resilience of the artistic spirit.
