Erwin Blumenfeld was a German-born American photographer renowned for his innovative fashion photography and contributions to the Dada and Surrealist movements. Born into a middle-class Jewish family in Berlin, he received his first camera at the age of ten, sparking an early interest in photography.
After serving in World War I, Blumenfeld moved to Amsterdam, where he became involved with the Dada art movement alongside artists like Paul Citroen and George Grosz. In 1921, he married Lena Citroen and opened a leather goods store to support his family. During this period, he continued to experiment with photography, creating collages and photomontages that reflected his avant-garde influences.
In 1936, Blumenfeld relocated to Paris and began working as a freelance photographer for French Vogue, thanks in part to an introduction from Cecil Beaton. His work during this time was characterized by experimental techniques such as solarization, multiple exposures, and the use of mirrors, which distinguished his style in the fashion industry.
With the outbreak of World War II, Blumenfeld, being a German Jew, was interned in several French camps as an "undesirable alien." In 1941, he emigrated to the United States, where he quickly established himself as a leading fashion photographer. He worked with prominent publications such as Harper's Bazaar, Life, and American Vogue, producing iconic images that often-featured bold compositions and innovative lighting.
Blumenfeld's personal work was deeply influenced by Dadaism and Surrealism, with recurring themes of death and femininity. He was a master in the darkroom, experimenting with techniques like distortion, multiple exposures, photomontage, and solarization to create striking and thought-provoking images.
Erwin Blumenfeld passed away on July 4, 1969, in Rome, Italy. His legacy endures through his extensive body of work, which continues to influence photographers and artists worldwide.