The Visceral Legacy of Photographer WILLIAM KLEIN: R.I.P. “People didn't object to me taking their photo. It was something everybody thought was their due: to be King for a Day, win the lottery and be photographed.” - William Klein Here at GATA we were saddened to hear of the passing of photographer and artist William Kleine earlier this week. A true pioneer in the scene, his stark black and white photography laid the foundation for what was possible in both street and fashion photography. Considered as one of the pioneers in street photography—often depicting the raw and unfiltered truths of the common man—his images transported him on a journey that spanned over cities including New York, Paris, Tokyo, Moscow and Rome. His photo essays on each city painted a gritty picture of reality, a philosophy that he took with him into the world of fashion too. As a young man, Klein was always interested in travelling and on the advent of World War II, he was able to join the US army, where he served in Germany and France, before eventually relocating there on a permanent basis. It was an encounter with lady luck that resulted in him acquiring his first camera during a game of poker, and after that, he shifted his focus to the medium. During the 1960s he gained a lot of attention for his series of photos of urban life. His raw, blurry and non-traditional technique was at odds with the establishment, but it was this complete disregard for convention that would eventually result in his success. Out-of-focus, young men gripping guns, off-centre focus and blurred streets, his images were a breath of fresh air at the time, and it is impossible to ignore his legacy in the world of photography. Rest in peace master.