A show of Michael von Graffenried’s photographs opened at Leica Gallery in NOHO on Thursday, April 19th. Michael has been photographing professionally since 1978 and has over twenty books to his credit. The retrospective at Leica Gallery is representative of his work done over the years in a “street photographer” style. Observant, ironic, and with a sharp visual wit, the work, in color and B&W, reflects the Swiss-born photographer’s iconic lineage. A lineage that includes Robert Frank and Rene’ Burri, both Swiss born, and Elliott Erwitt, born in France, where Michael lives now with his wife, the Gallery Director Esther Woerdehoff, and his two daughters.

Two of the icons were at the Leica Gallery for the opening, Robert Frank, 87, and Elliott Erwitt, 83. Their presence added a wonderful sense of community and reflected the life long enjoyment in looking at photos.

Bob McNeely