Out of Exile: The Photography of Fred Stein

A vivid, filmic depiction of the dramatic life of pioneering street photographer, Fred Stein. The Nazi menace in 1933 forced him to flee to Paris, where he learned photography. The camera inspired him, and he walked the streets, capturing images of timeless beauty. But when the war came, he had to flee across the embattled countryside, in a narrow escape.

Fred Stein learns photography by walking around Paris with a Leica camera. He discovers a natural affinity for the taking of photographs. Using the camera expands his awareness, and he captures vivid images from the scenes in front of him. He creates moments of transcendence.

Curator Gilles Mora, looking over the Fred Stein archive, examines Fred Stein's contact sheets and shows how he worked very intentionally, exploring a wide range of themes. Mora gives examples of the themes, with photographic montages.

It is 1933 in Germany. Tension rises to a dramatic pitch as the Nazis take over Dresden. Fred Stein and his wife are caught up the the overwhelming wave of anti-Semitism. When they secretly get word that the Gestapo are asking questions about Fred, they flee that night, under the pretext of taking a honeymoon trip. It is a very painful departure.