Magnum Photos, established in 1947 by Robert Capa, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and others as an independent cooperative of photographers, has produced some of the most iconic images of the 20th century. On the occasion of Magnum’s 70th anniversary, this program explores the agency’s rich relationship to cinema through the lens of travelogues and art films. The artists represented here used moving images as an extension or counterpart to their photographic work to develop personal and auteurist storytelling. Expanding on the agency’s transatlantic history, Beyond the Frame spotlights work centered on Africa, Latin America, the US, and Europe, from the 1960s to the present. Photojournalism, fiction, and avant-garde media are alternately at play in the diverse treatments of conflict, social issues, and everyday moments. With selections from the agency’s Magnum Eye (1991–93) and Magnum in Motion (2004–today) initiatives, the series also investigates the technological and artistic transition from narrative cinema to video, and finally, to contemporary creators operating in a hybrid and online media field. Born out of the Second World War, Magnum’s vibrant and independent platform is as essential as ever, allowing both the social role and transcendent artistic quality of images to flourish.
Organized by Sophie Cavoulacos, Assistant Curator, Department of Film. Special thanks to Magnum Photos and Susan Meiselas
The exhibition is made possible by The International Council of The Museum of Modern Art.
Additional support is provided by the Annual Film Fund.
