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.
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406 W 13th St., New York, NY 10014; 332-222-1690
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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.
About Leica Camera
Leica Camera AG is a global premium manufacturer of cameras, lenses, and sports optics products, with a company history spanning over 150 years. As part of its growth strategy, Leica has expanded into mobile imaging (smartphones), high-quality eyeglass lenses and watch manufacturing, and is also present in the home cinema segment with its own projectors.
Headquartered in Wetzlar, Germany, with a second production facility in Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal, Leica Camera AG operates a global network of sales subsidiaries and more than 120 Leica Stores.
The Leica brand represents excellent quality, German craftsmanship, and industrial design, seamlessly combined with innovative technology. An integral part of the brand's culture is its commitment to fostering photographic culture, exemplified by approximately 30 Leica Galleries worldwide, Leica Academies, and prestigious international awards such as the Leica Hall of Fame Award and the Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA).
About the Artist:
Bruce Gilden was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1946. A self-taught photographer, he has spent over five decades cultivating his instantly recognizable style—characterized by his unflinching street portraits, often captured with a direct flash and intimate proximity. His work has spanned the globe, with major projects in New York, Haiti, Japan, and beyond.
A member of Magnum Photos since 1998, Gilden's photographs are held in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art (NYC), the Victoria and Albert Museum (London), and the Getty Museum (Los Angeles), among others. He has received multiple grants and fellowships, including a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2013. Gilden lives and works in Beacon, New York.
SOURCE Leica Camera AG
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