As part of the permanent exhibition "Steichen - The Photographer", the Musée national d'histoire et d'art has invited Prof. Dr. Gerd Hurm, director of the Trier Center for American Studies (TCAS) at the University of Trier, to speak at a conference on Thursday 16 June 2016.
Entitled "Picasso meets Steichen: The Lëtzebuerger Jong who introduced Modernism to the New World", the conference will explore the significant impact that Luxembourg-born photographer, painter and exhibition designer Edward Steichen has in introductin modernism to the New World, drawing on an anecdotal account from Steichen biographer Penelope Niven as a starting point:
"In 1966, when Steichen visited Picasso in Cannes, Pablo teased his buddy Edward: "Do you remember when I gave you my first batch of paintings to take back to America and sell?" 'I certainly do,' Steichen answered. 'Yes,' Picasso replied, 'but you didn't sell any.' 'Pablo, you're wrong. I sold three of them. The first three ever sold in America.' He knew, Picasso said, laughing; he was just testing Steichen's memory."
Gerd Hurm is a professor of American and English literature and founding director of the TCAS at the University of Trier, Germany. He has published books and articles on modernism, urban studies, political rhetoric and American post-war culture, film and photography. He has lectured across Europe and the United States. His most recent research project comprises a revaluation of the photography, aesthetics and exhibition designs of Edward Steichen.
Last year, the MNHA lent 86 Edward Steichen photographs to an exhibition in Latvia ahead of the Luxembourg Presidency of the Council of the EU as part of a major retrospective of the renowned American photographer of Luxembourg origin.
The lecture will take place in English at 18:30 at the Kutter room of the MNHA, Marché-Aux-Poissons, 2345 Luxembourg.
Photo: Edward Steichen (1879-1973): Shoes and Socks from The First Picture Book - Everyday Thing for Babies, 1930 (print after 1953), gelatin silver print.
