Simon de Pury, known globally for his work as an auctioneer, curator, and gallerist, is now presenting his photographic art in London. His exhibition, titled 'Blow Up,' is on display at the Leica Gallery until October 30, 2025. This marks a significant moment for de Pury, offering a public view into his personal creative practice.
Key Takeaways
- Simon de Pury is exhibiting his photography for the first time in London.
- The exhibition, 'Blow Up,' runs until October 30, 2025, at the Leica Gallery.
- De Pury's photographic journey began with a gift from his father.
- His work explores the concept of 'suspended time' and visually striking details.
- The title 'Blow Up' references Antonioni's classic film and the nature of his detailed images.
A New Chapter in London's Art Scene
Simon de Pury's arrival in the London photography scene with his solo exhibition is notable. While his professional life has focused on the business side of art, his personal passion for photography has developed quietly. The Leica Gallery provides a prestigious platform for this debut.
De Pury's connection to London runs deep. He lived in the city for many years before moving to Monaco seven years ago. He expressed appreciation for Leica's offer to host his exhibition, recognizing the brand's importance in photography history. He views London as a dynamic urban center, similar to other major cities where his work has been shown.
Background Information
Simon de Pury has an extensive career spanning several decades in the international art market. He has held prominent positions at major auction houses and has been a significant figure in curating and art advising. This exhibition highlights a lesser-known aspect of his creative endeavors, emphasizing his personal artistic vision.
The Genesis of a Photographer
De Pury's photographic journey started at a young age. He received his first camera from his father. Initially, he focused on black and white images, often capturing rock formations during family excursions in the Swiss mountains. This early exposure to photography laid the groundwork for his later artistic pursuits.
As an adult, photography became a tool for documenting visual interests. De Pury describes it as a way to contend with the passage of time. He believes photography offers an 'illusion of suspended time,' allowing moments to be preserved and re-examined.
"We are all confronted with the inexorable passing of time and photography offers us the illusion of suspended time," Simon de Pury stated, explaining his motivation behind capturing images.
Inspiration Across Continents
The 'Blow Up' exhibition features images from diverse locations, including Miami, Aspen, and Los Angeles. De Pury's travels provide a constant source of inspiration. He finds himself frequently stopping to photograph anything that catches his eye, a habit that, he admits, can be challenging for his travel companions.
Among the many places he has visited, Tokyo stands out as a city he finds particularly inspiring. Even in Monaco, his current residence, he continues to discover new and fascinating visual angles. This constant engagement with his surroundings highlights his keen observational skills.
Did You Know?
- Simon de Pury's first photographs were of rock formations in the Swiss mountains.
- He considers Tokyo one of his most inspiring cities for photography.
- He has exhibited his work in Berlin, Geneva, Paris, and Moscow before London.
Focusing on Detail: The Art of Observation
Despite his extensive travels and varied subjects, de Pury's photographs maintain a striking focus. His images range from highly intricate details, such as 'Barbara’s Carpet,' to minimalist compositions like 'Battement d’Ailes au Clair de la Lune.' This range showcases his ability to find compelling visuals in different contexts.
A notable example is his photograph of Barbara Becker’s carpet in Miami Beach. He was captivated by the interior designed by Lenny Kravitz. Without hesitation, he captured a close-up of the pink carpet, demonstrating his spontaneous approach to photography.
The title of the exhibition, 'Blow Up,' is a direct reference to Michelangelo Antonioni’s 1966 film. De Pury acknowledges this deliberate nod to the cinematic masterpiece. The film, which features a photographer as the main character, resonated with de Pury after he took a photograph in a London park that reminded him of scenes from the movie.
The title also refers to the nature of some of his images, which are detailed shots that have been 'blown up' or enlarged. This dual meaning makes the title particularly fitting for his current body of work.
The Influence of a Professional Eye
De Pury’s long career as a curator and art advisor has significantly shaped his approach to his own photography. His professional life demands rigorous aesthetic choices and strict editing. This discipline extends to his personal artistic practice, although he notes that maintaining an objective distance from one's own work can be challenging.
For the 'Blow Up' exhibition, he received assistance from Lou Proud, the Director of the Leica Gallery. This collaboration helped him refine his selection and presentation. The process underscores the importance of an external perspective, even for an experienced art professional.
Future Directions and Advice
Curiosity remains a driving force for Simon de Pury. He is constantly inspired by new developments across various creative fields, including art, design, photography, architecture, cinema, music, fashion, gastronomy, and sports. This broad interest fuels his artistic exploration and keeps him engaged with the world.
He uses platforms like Instagram to share his latest discoveries and photographic work, including portraits of artists in front of their creations and impressions from his travels. This digital sharing allows for immediate connection with a wider audience.
When asked for advice for aspiring photographers, de Pury offers a straightforward recommendation: "Follow your creative urges." He believes that by doing so, photographers will naturally develop their own unique artistic style and 'handwriting.' This emphasis on intuition and personal expression is central to his philosophy.
The 'Blow Up' exhibition at the Leica Gallery in London offers a rare opportunity to see the photographic work of a prominent figure in the art world. It provides insight into his inspirations, his process, and his unique visual perspective.