Robert Doisneau photographs Palm Springs

In my mind, Palm Springs will always be a getaway for lucky Angelenos, an oasis of luxury in a barren landscape, a spot of color in the desert. A place where the air is dry, the pools are plenty and the sun sets pink. A town so close to where I went to college that I could hop over after Friday class to set up camp at Coachella, but far enough away in what it represents that I would never feel like I was on the inside.

This same feeling, of looking in as a mere outsider, is echoed in Robert Doisneau's series on Palm Springs shot back in 1960. You may know Doisneau from his photographs "Le remorqueur du Champs de Mars, Paris" or "Le baiser de l'Hôtel de Ville." But he also shot in foreign countries, bringing in this series upon the wealthy American West the gaze of a less than affluent photojournalist.

The open road, American muscle cars, the desert : a new world for a Parisian photographer.

Photo courtesy of Atelier Robert Doisneau.

 The extravagance of Palm Springs. The title of this photo translates as "Fur Party."

Photo courtesy of Atelier Robert Doisneau.

 

Photo courtesy of Atelier Robert Doisneau.

 My favorite photo : the title reads "The painter's curlers."

Photo courtesy of Atelier Robert Doisneau.

And yet, the loneliness of consumerism sinks in.

Photo courtesy of Atelier Robert Doisneau.

For the full slideshow, visit the Atelier Robert Doisneau website.


Thanks, Claire :)