PARIS Je t'aime
PETER TURNLEY
This book is a stunning tribute to the enchanting city of Paris. The photographer's exquisite talent for capturing the city's essence results in a breathtaking portrayal that feels suspended in time. Each black-and-white image flows seamlessly into the next, weaving a vivid tapestry of key Parisian themes—charming cafés bustling with laughter, the intoxicating atmosphere of love in the air, intriguing characters roaming the streets, and the tranquil flow of the Seine. The book also highlights the revolutionary spirit of the French people, which is thoroughly described throughout the narrative. These elements give the photographs a contemporary feel, creating a unique sense of time. The differences in fashion or the models of cars become secondary to the book’s spirit; if we don't check the dates in the captions, we might not even notice these temporal variations. A notable moment appears on page 182, where a poignant image pays tribute to his mentor and friend, Doisneau, symbolising the deep bonds formed in this magical city.
A Limited-Edition Hardcover book of 320 pages —every copy will be signed. $85.00
Batsceba Hardy
Following his relocation to France, Turner actively sought connections with his photographic idols, including Henri Cartier-Bresson, André Kertész, Édouard Boubat, Robert Doisneau, and Josef Koudelka. Many of these esteemed photographers became both mentors and friends.
In the early 1980s, Turner made the initiative to contact Doisneau directly, which led to an opportunity to assist him. He was profoundly influenced by Doisneau's emphasis on humanity and artistry. Instead of merely depicting life in Paris, Turner concentrated on capturing emotions and sharing experiences.
Throughout his career, he documented numerous significant global events, travelling to over ninety countries. His work encompasses a range of subjects, including conflicts, disasters, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the revolutions of 1989, and the release of Nelson Mandela. He was in New York at “Ground Zero” on Sept 11, 2001, in New Orleans during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, in Haiti after the tragic earthquake of 2011, and in Egypt during the toppling of Hosni Mubarak in 2011. He is currently working on a long-term project on daily life in Cuba, “Cuba-A Grace of Spirit”. Turnley has produced portraits and covered many of the modern world’s most influential people: Obama, Gorbachev, Yeltsin, Putin, Mandela, Arafat, Schroeder, Ceaușescu, Gaddafi, Chirac, Clinton, Reagan, Bush Sr, Lady Diana, and Pope Jean Paul II, among others.
For Turner, Paris signifies a sanctuary that provides beauty, art, love, and essential lessons, reaffirming that family and authenticity are our ultimate sources of salvation amidst global challenges. He takes pride in his origins and cherishes his status as a French citizen. This collection serves as his visual homage to Paris and its inhabitants, through which he articulates his profound affection for the city via the medium of photography.
He presently lives in both New York and Paris, and has previously published six books of his work: French Kiss – A Love Letter to Paris, Beijing Spring, Moments of Revolution, In Times of War and Peace, Parisians, and McClellan Street.