An exceptional exhibition honoring the renowned photographer, Mathieu Bitton, titled “Paris Blues: A Decade of Moments and Reflections” will be hosted at the Leica Store & Gallery in Los Angeles. The exhibition will begin on January 13th and run through March 4th. It will feature Bitton’s roots in Paris, from his childhood flea market experiences to his clandestine journeys through the rock and roll and fashion undergrounds. There will also be a new collection of work by editorial photographer Kwaku Alston, titled “Egungun.”
Mathieu Bitton is a celebrated photographer known for his work in various genres including music, comedy, portraiture, and documentary photography. He is the official photographer for Dave Chappelle and Lenny Kravitz. Bitton’s portfolio includes a rich tapestry of iconic images that have left an indelible mark on the world of visual arts. The exhibition will showcase documented moments from Bitton’s journeys back to Paris, behind-the-scenes and portraiture photography of famous musicians such as Mick Jagger, Lenny Kravitz, Dave Chappelle, and Jay-Z, and Trombone Shorty and Bruno Mars.
Bitton has won one Grammy Award and has received two Grammy Award nominations, and his career has been marked by defining moments such as his masterful portraits of Quincy Jones and Motown icon Stevie Wonder. He has also designed box sets and live records for icons such as Miles Davis, Prince and Marvin Gaye. In addition to his contributions to music photography, Bitton has undertaken compelling documentary projects, capturing stories of resilience and humanity across diverse cultures. His powerful lens illuminates profound stories often hidden within the folds of everyday life.
“I’ve had the privilege of traveling all over the world with a Leica in hand,” says Bitton in an official artist’s statement. “At every opportunity, I return to Paris for connection and inspiration. Paris Blues documents these most precious stolen moments. This series of photos plays as a symphony of my own existence — often lost, though never off course — and always in search of melody.”
Mathieu Bitton will have his second exhibition with Leica after his critically acclaimed show in 2016 called “Darker than Blue.” The new show, titled “Paris Blues: A Decade of Moments and Reflections,” will take center stage at the Leica Gallery in Los Angeles. The exhibition serves as a testament to Bitton’s career marked by artistic integrity, innovation, and an unwavering pursuit of capturing the profound beauty within each frame. Bitton’s journey continues to inspire and leave his mark on the landscape of contemporary photography.
