René Burri
1933–2014 · Switzerland
Bringing figures and architecture into dialogue.
The story
Trained in Zurich, René Burri developed a career in reportage and portraiture with Magnum. He photographed urban transformations, conflicts and figures in cultural and political life. His images of Le Corbusier, Che Guevara and Brazil combine information with a sense of space. Black and white does not encompass his entire practice: colour, books and page layouts also contributed to his visual investigations.
Understanding the work
Observe how people inhabit the lines of a setting. A shadow, roof or opening can be as decisive as the famous face recognised at first glance.
Key works and series
Che Guevara; Le Corbusier; photographs of Brazil and São Paulo.
Sources & further exploration
Works in collections.
5 recordsPhotographs to explore on museum and library websites, with titles, dates and processes. Each link opens the collection record and its image where one is available.
