New York Noir|Jean-Pierre Laffont Exhibition Opening

"When I arrived as a young Frenchman in 1964, New York City was chaotic, dirty, gritty, loud and dangerous, but it was also attractive, provocative, brave, enchanting, joyous and free. "New York Noir" is inspired by the 1940 Film Noir. It is filled with a sense of danger, it is violent and upbeat, simple and timeless, like my New York.

Everything seemed possible and vibrant. I hated it one day and loved it the next. I responded to the city with my heart and never stopped capturing the monumental mess that it is and the exhilaration it provokes.

All my wildest dreams came true in New York, and I hope my photos captured a city that I viewed critically but affectionally and to which I bear an immense gratitude."

- Jean Pierre Laffont

Portrait taken by Zhong Weixing

Join us for the opening of Jean-Pierre Laffont: New York Noir, Thursday October 2nd from 6pm-8pm at the Leica Store D.C.

Jean-Pierre Laffont, born in Algeria in 1935, is a renowned French-American photojournalist who has documented pivotal moments in history for over five decades. He grew up in Morocco, moved to the U.S. in 1964, and became a U.S. citizen in 2016. A graduate of the School of Graphic Art in Switzerland, he co-founded the Gamma USA and Sygma Photo News agencies with his wife, Eliane.

For over five decades, Laffont captured defining moments in U.S. history—Vietnam protests, Watergate, Nixon’s resignation, and civil rights movements—making him the French photographer to dedicate his life to documenting America. His international coverage spanned conflict zones and historic transformations from Asia to Africa and Eastern Europe. He also covered key personalities of the century: authors, actors, actresses, and political figures. Laffont's groundbreaking work on child labor, begun in 1979, influenced global awareness and policy change, underscoring his deep humanitarian commitment.

With New York Noir, we are taken on a journey through the streets of this iconic city and how Jean-Pierre, through his own unique outlook captures the essence of its dynamic landscape and the people who inhabit it. Don’t miss the chance to experience the work of a true visual storyteller.

RSVP today—we look forward to seeing you there!

Exhibition will be on view September-December 2025.

Host or Publisher Leica Camera