Laurence Salzmann (1944-

Ritualistic imagery from Salzmann provides insight into how people adapt to their existing conditions in relation to their environment. Salzmann's photographic method involves long-term participation and observation of a group or event. 

We are proud to present images from Salzmann's two bodies of work

"La Baie" (The Bath) and "La Lucha" (The Struggle). 

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"La Baie"

 The public bath ("La  Baie") is a familiar experience in the history of Western man. Recently, it has become an almost integral part of a healthy lifestyle, which may include activities such as running or weightlifting. Salzmann's focus on the Jewish bathhouse of Radauti, Romania reflects more than an isolated study of the male nude: a certain curiosity about the nature of social relationships formed and cultivated in the public bath setting prevails. Salzmann observes that "the whole bathing process represented a kind of social ritual; the same men met there week after week, joking, gossiping, and telling stories to catch each other's attention."

The subtle motions of the total body are depicted in harmony with the surrounding environment, while the beauty of these photographs lies in the total composition of the natural bodily gestures.

c.1975 Vintage gelatin silver prints, signed.

Edition & prices ($1,500 - $4,000) vary by image - see prices below.

(Note: The first 10 "La Baie" prints (no. 1-10) are available as a portfolio. Price $8,000)

Print Size 16" x 20", matted 20" x 24"

To inquire about a photograph, call or send us an email.

"La Baie" the Book

1. From an Edition of Twelve A/P - $1,500

 2*

 3*

4. From an Edition of Twelve A/P - $1,500

5. From an Edition of Twelve A/P - $1,500

 6*

7. From an Edition of Five A/P - $2,000

8. From an Edition of Twelve A/P - $1,500

9. From an Edition of Twelve A/P - $1,500

10. From an Edition of Twelve A/P - $1,500

11. From an Edition of Four A/P - $3,000

12. From an Edition of One A/P - $4,000

13. From an Edition of Four A/P - $3,000

14. From an Edition of One A/P - $4,000

15. From an Edition of Four A/P - $3,000

16. From an Edition of Two A/P - $3,000

17. From an Edition of Two A/P - $4,000

18. From an Edition of One A/P - $4,000

19. From an Edition of One A/P - $4,000

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"La Lucha"

To be in "La Lucha" ("the struggle") is, in Cuban popular culture, to find oneself struggling for economic survival, for securing one's subsistence. In Spanish luchar both means to wrestle and to struggle. In his photo series "La Lucha", Laurence Salzmann uses this ambiguity as a departure point to explore the relationship between athletic endeavor and national and personal survival. The focus of these photographs is the human form against the backdrop of the minimally equipped training studio. The images of the wrestlers in "La Lucha" represent an appreciation of the masculine form as well as an exploration of the role of sports in national identity. The young boys and children whom Laurence Salzmann has photographed in a sports school of Santiago de Cuba learn to struggle; in entering into the struggle, they become part of it. In his struggle to capture their images, Laurence Salzmann once again identifies with his subjects.

c. 2000 Vintage gelatin silver prints, signed.

Edition of eight, $1,200 ea. Print Size 20" x 24"

(Artist Proofs of Images 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 were also printed 11"x 14" and are available at $800)

To inquire about a photograph, call or send us an email.

NEW: Released August 2007 "La Lucha" the Book

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 9*

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