The Leica Store & Gallery Chicago presented Paris Blues, the acclaimed exhibition by visionary photographer Mathieu Bitton, on view July 9–August 23, 2026.
Following acclaimed presentations at Leica Gallery Los Angeles and Leica Gallery New York, Paris Blues makes its Chicago debut featuring photographs from Bitton’s bestselling monograph Paris Blues (teNeues), alongside thirteen new works created exclusively for the Leica Gallery Chicago exhibition.
Internationally recognized for his distinctive visual language, Bitton is a three-time Grammy Award-winning photographer, creative director and producer whose work has helped shape the visual identity of contemporary music and culture. Through longstanding collaborations with artists including Lenny Kravitz, Quincy Jones and Dave Chappelle, he has spent decades documenting defining personalities and cultural moments while building a multidisciplinary career spanning photography, design, music and visual storytelling. In recognition of his contributions to the arts, Bitton was named a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French Ministry of Culture in 2012.
While Bitton’s portraits of legendary musicians and cultural icons have earned worldwide acclaim, Paris Blues reveals a deeply personal side of his work. Born and raised in Paris until his teenage years, Bitton returns to the city with the perspective of both a native son and a lifelong traveler, creating an intimate portrait of the place that first inspired his artistic vision.
Photographed primarily in luminous black and white, Paris Blues moves effortlessly between iconic landmarks and hidden corners, chance encounters and quiet observations. The images unfold like a visual jazz composition, capturing Paris not simply as a destination, but as a living source of memory, rhythm, beauty and inspiration.
The project has received international recognition beyond the gallery world. It was featured during Art Basel Miami Beach through a special presentation with Poltrona Frau, further highlighting its presence at the intersection of photography, design and contemporary culture.
“Paris. City of lights and dreams. City of love and poetry. City of Jazz and majesty. The city that made my favorite artists better artists because of the alchemy that runs through its core and turns every moment into gold.” said Mathieu Bitton.
More than a photography exhibition, Paris Blues is a love letter to the city that continues to inspire Bitton’s creative life. Through moments both intimate and iconic, it invites audiences to experience Paris through the eyes of an artist returning home, discovering beauty in the everyday and poetry in the fleeting.
As part of the exhibition program, Leica Gallery Chicago will host an opening reception on Friday July 10th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, were guests will have the opportunity to experience Paris Blues and meet the artist. On Saturday, July 11, at 12:00 PM, Bitton will participate in an artist talk and book signing.
Exhibition Hours:
Leica Gallery Chicago is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, and Sunday from 12:00 PM–5:00 PM.
Leica Store and Gallery Chicago
800 N Michigan Avenue Chicago IL, 60611, 312 705-3670
