Louis Robinson von Beckhoff (USA)
Raw emotions of the 1960s and ‘70s
As a true amateur photographer, Robinson’s images are defined by a tangible connection between the photographer and his subjects. His preference for black-and-white photography, rooted in tradition, highlights the interplay of light and shadow, adding a striking sense of intimacy and meaning to his work. His approach reveals a way of taking photographs that allows a closer, more personal connection with the subject—something that feels increasingly rare and, for various reasons, less possible today.
Based in Florida, Louis Robinson captured the essence of American life from 1968 to 1980. The photographs featured in this exhibition were primarily taken in Pennsylvania during a time of great freedom, offering a glimpse into a bygone era. Robinson's images, marked by authenticity and timeless charm, reflect the freedom, optimism, and simplicity that defined that period.
By reprinting Louis Robinson’s photographs from expired film, Olivier Guyaux makes a deliberate artistic statement. The original prints of Robinson's work were lost over time, scattered or destroyed by Hurricane Helen, which struck Florida in September 2024.
These low-contrast reprints are presented to the viewer with increased intimacy, absorbing light rather than reflecting it. In contrast to the vibrant, saturated images often deemed “Instagram-worthy,” they demand a greater degree of attention. Less polished, these prints emphasize their raw, imperfect quality as photographic objects, focusing the viewer’s gaze on the people depicted.