In celebration of the centenary of the Leica I, the Leica Store & Gallery New York presents 100 YEARS OF LEICA, a landmark exhibition honoring a century of innovation in photography. 100 years of Leica photography have produced a host of outstanding photographic moments, which now take center stage in the growing network of 29 Leica Galleries worldwide. As mediators of culture, art and knowledge, the Leica galleries have taken on significant social responsibility. In the process, they are striking a balance between presenting contemporary photography and showcasing the great icons of yesteryear.
To celebrate this centenary, Leica is embracing heritage with a special concept that fosters a conversation between photography of the past and present. An exhibition will open in a selected Leica Gallery every month, linking a contemporary talent with one of the Leica Hall of Fame winners. The result will be twelve captivating pairs whose works complement one another, reference each other, and spark inspiration for all. The New York Exhibition, In Conversation: A Photographic Dialogue Between Yesterday and Today will showcase the work of Leica Hall of Fame winner, Bruce Davidson and renowned artist Sara Messinger, spotlighting Leica’s transformative influence on the world of photography.
Bruce Davidson’s, Brooklyn Gang will be featured alongside Sara Messinger’s, Teenagers as a conversation between two subjects with decades in between their stories. Teenagers have been a recurring subject in photography throughout history, offering glimpses into their ever-changing yet timeless spirit. In 1959, Bruce Davidson observed a gang in Brooklyn called The Jokers and became a daily photographer of their alienated youth culture. Davidson began his first major project when he was only 25 – not much older than the youths depicted in his photos. This work became the classic photo project, Brooklyn Gang: a collection of images of tough people and tough lives that captured a vision of youth in post-war New York City.
“Capturing the daily lives of The Jokers allowed me to witness their fear, depression, and anger that bonded many of them together in a time of need,” Bruce Davidson explained. “I soon realized that I was feeling some of their pain. In staying close to them, I uncovered my own feelings of failure, frustration, and rage.”
Inspired by Bruce Davidson’s approach, Sara Messinger has spent the past four years documenting a group of New York City youth. By immersing herself in the lives of her young subjects, Sara not only captures their stories but also embarks on her own journey of self-discovery, connecting her past to the untethered vibrant lives of her subjects. “Bruce Davidson’s Brooklyn Gang left a profound impression on me and ultimately shaped my philosophy as a photographer,” said Sara Messinger. “His way of working by embedding himself in the world that he was documenting, became pivotal in my own practice as a photographer. I aim to capture both intimacy and honesty, and through that, many of my subjects have also become close personal friends over time.”
This gallery exhibition presents the raw, gritty work of both artists and lies at the forefront of documentary photography by expressing emotion through a strong sense of storytelling. Through their lens, Davidson and Messinger have showcased that although such time has separated their works, the open heart of the New York City teenager remains a constant. Visitors to Leica Store & Gallery New York will have the opportunity to experience the enduring legacy of Leica and how these photographers have left a lasting impression on the community.
The exhibition will be available to the public starting on May 1st through June 15th, 2025, with an opening reception on Thursday, May 1st, from 6pm to 8pm.
The exhibition of Sara Messinger was realised with the kind support of WhiteWall.
100 years of Leica: Witness to a century
In 2025, Leica Camera AG is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Leica I, the first 35mm mass-produced camera, which was introduced to the public at the Leipzig Spring Fair in 1925. This groundbreaking camera exceeded all expectations with its compact, portable design, unlocking new possibilities in photography. Under the theme 100 Years of Leica: Witness to a Century, Leica Camera AG commemorates this milestone that transformed photography worldwide. Throughout the year, Leica will host international events in major cities including Dubai, Milan, New York, Shanghai, and Tokyo, showcasing cultural projects and exclusive special product editions. The highlight of the celebration will be the anniversary week in June at the company’s headquarters in Wetzlar. Additionally, the global Leica Gallery network will feature high-caliber exhibitions showcasing works by renowned photographers.
