About

Josef Ehm was a Czech photographer renowned for his contributions to modernist photography and photographic education. Born in 1909, he became a pivotal figure in Czech visual culture during the 20th century. Along with Jaromír Funke, Ehm taught at the State School of Graphic Arts in Prague from 1934 to 1946, where he mentored a new generation of photographers and emphasized photography’s artistic potential in an era dominated by traditional visual media.

Ehm also collaborated with Funke as an editor of Photo Horizon magazine, a publication instrumental in introducing avant-garde ideas and promoting innovative photographic practices in Czechoslovakia. Through his editorial work, he not only chronicled the evolution of photography but also actively shaped its trajectory. In 1935, he participated in the preparation of the legendary book Photography Sees Surface, which further cemented his place in the history of modernist photography.

His photography reflects a deep interest in form, light, and the interplay of abstraction and realism, aligning him with the international modernist movement. At the same time, his work reveals a surrealist influence, particularly in his manipulation of perception and his exploration of dreamlike, fragmented realities.

Ehm’s images often explored architectural themes, urban landscapes, and still-life compositions, demonstrating his mastery of structure and shadow. In addition to these, he also captured the human form through evocative nude photography. His nudes are distinguished by their careful attention to light, shadow, and the expressive potential of the body, blending sensuality with artistic abstraction. These images were not only an exploration of the human figure but also an exercise in composition, where the body becomes an integral part of the visual structure.

Beyond his personal and professional achievements, Ehm’s influence extended into the broader cultural sphere, where his advocacy for photography as a fine art helped elevate its status in Czechoslovakia and beyond.