Leica Gallery presents 8 Days in Napoli, a raw, unflinching new exhibition featuring never-before-seen work made exclusively for Leica by legendary Magnum photographer Bruce Gilden, Sept. 25 – Nov. 2, 2025. This body of work also marks the debut of the Leica Libretto book series, an initiative by Leica USA that celebrates influential photographic voices through focused storytelling.
In this series, Gilden brings his signature approach, intimate, flash-lit, and emotionally direct, to the streets of Naples, Italy. Shot in just eight days, it’s an immersive experience that strips away pretense and places viewers face to face with the humanity of Gilden’s subjects.
“These revelatory portraits of random Neapolitans, gathered in a brief eight-day stay in the historic city, attest to the fact that Gilden’s ‘edge’ remains finely honed, revealing an artist who persists in recording the ‘whole truth’ of his subject,” says Max Blagg, poet, writer and performer, in the book’s introduction.
Gilden’s unmistakable style, direct and unapologetically real, reflects his lifelong mission to photograph life as it is. His portraits do more than document; they confront, confess, and honor the spirit of the street.
“Witnessing his connection to the people of the city gave me an appreciation for the way he captures unfiltered humanity,” said Mike Giannattasio, President of Leica USA, who traveled with Gilden for this shoot. “This body of work is a testament to Bruce’s vision and Leica’s commitment to supporting photographers who tell stories with honesty and courage.”
“This exhibition not only underscores Bruce Gilden’s enduring vision,” adds Leica Gallery Director Michael Foley, “but also exemplifies Leica’s ongoing commitment to authentic photographic storytelling.”
Coinciding with the exhibition is the release of 8 Days in Napoli, the first edition in the Leica Libretto series. These compact, collectible books will spotlight a single photographic project, making iconic work accessible to both collectors and new audiences. Gilden’s, decades-long relationship with Leica aligns with the brand’s core values of precision, artistry, and storytelling rooted in real life.
Leica USA is proud to launch the first episode of its original content series, In Conversation With, underscoring the company’s ongoing commitment to engaging with the artist community. The premiere features a one-on-one interview between renowned artist Bruce Gilden and author Max Blagg, offering a candid exchange of ideas and insights. The video will go live on the Leica Camera USA YouTube channel on September 10th.
As part of the exhibition program, Leica Gallery will host an opening reception Sept. 25, 6:00 to 8:00 PM, welcoming guests to experience 8 Days in Napoli. The following evening, Sept. 26 at 6:30 PM, the gallery will present a special in-conversation event featuring Gilden and Blagg, followed by a book signing. Leica New York and Gilden will also host Be Yourself: A Masterclass with Bruce Gilden, Sept. 22–26, 2025, in which Gilden will guide participants in developing their own street photography style, teaching them to photograph confidently and unobtrusively in any environment.
These events underscore Leica’s dedication to fostering authentic photographic voices and bringing their work to both collectors and new audiences worldwide.
Exhibition Hours:
Leica Gallery New York is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, and Sunday from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Leica Store and Gallery Meatpacking District NYC
406 W 13th St., New York, NY 10014; 332-222-1690
