Fred Herzog

Previously unseen imagery from the archives of a pioneering figure in color photography

Fred Herzog was a master of color photography. His iconic Kodachrome street shots from the 1950s and 1960s capture urban life in warm red-orange tones, offering precise observations of people and city movements. Poetic, witty and always respectful, his images create an intimate atmosphere. After moving to Vancouver in 1953, Herzog built a vibrant visual tribute to the city. He also traveled to the US, Barbados, Curaçao, Guatemala and Mexico, his Leica always in hand.

In an era dominated by black-and-white photography, Herzog's use of color was groundbreaking. His bestseller Modern Color remains celebrated worldwide. Now, newly released photographs from his archive, managed by Equinox Gallery, continue his legacy, offering fresh insight into his unique perspective. These images not only preserve Herzog's vision but also reaffirm his place as a pioneer of modern color photography.

About the Author

Fred Herzog (1930-2019), who grew up in Stuttgart, Germany, immigrated to Vancover, Canada, in 1953, where he initially worked as a medical photographer. He later taught at the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University. He has had major solo exhibitions in Berlin, New York, Paris, Toronto, and Vancover.

Hatje Cantz recently published Modern Color (2017) and Black and White (2022).