Galerie Le Minotaure is presenting a comprehensive exhibition of Florence Henri's groundbreaking photography as part of the PhotoSaintGermain festival. The exhibition features iconic prints from the 1920s and 1930s, all created during the artist's lifetime and personally signed by her. Among the highlights are twelve prints from a portfolio published in 1974 by Galerie Wilde in Cologne, which marked a pivotal moment in the rediscovery of her work after decades of obscurity.
Florence Henri's artistic journey began with music and painting before she turned to photography following her transformative stay at the Bauhaus in 1927. During this period, she encountered influential figures László Moholy-Nagy and Lucia Moholy, who significantly shaped her artistic vision. Upon returning to Paris, she quickly established herself with a distinctive style that drew from post-Cubism and Constructivism movements.
Her compositions became renowned for their innovative use of mirrors, reflections, and multiple perspectives that challenged viewers' perceptions and often approached abstraction. Henri's experimental approach created visual puzzles that blurred the boundaries between reality and artistic interpretation. This unique aesthetic set her apart from her contemporaries and established her as a pioneer in avant-garde photography.
In 1929, Henri's participation in the legendary 'Film und Foto' exhibition alongside renowned photographers Man Ray, Germaine Krull, and André Kertész solidified her central role in the photographic avant-garde movement. This exhibition was considered one of the most important photography shows of the era and helped establish her international reputation.
However, World War II abruptly interrupted Henri's photographic career. Deprived of essential materials needed for photography, she was forced to return to painting and subsequently faded into obscurity for several decades. Her innovative contributions to photography were largely forgotten during this period.
The early 1970s marked a renaissance for Henri's work, thanks to the dedicated efforts of collectors Ann and Jürgen Wilde. The couple organized an exhibition devoted to her photography and collaborated with Henri to produce a portfolio of twelve modern prints. These same prints are now featured in the current exhibition, serving as essential milestones that demonstrate the power and originality of her artistic journey.
The Florence Henri exhibition runs from November 6 through November 29, 2025, at Galerie Le Minotaure, located at 2 rue des Beaux-Arts, 75006 Paris. The gallery can be reached at 01 43 54 62 93, and more information is available at www.galerieleminotaure.net and https://www.photosaintgermain.com/.
