Article & Photos by Ron Ortiz"I have always considered myself an architect who takes pictures rather than a photographer who is knowledgeable about architecture." Balthazar Korab
Over the past 50 years photographer Balthazar Korab has documented the wonderful images of Cranbrook with stunning black and white photography. Korab, a Hungarian born photographer was trained as an architect in Budapest and migrated to France in 1949, fleeing Hungary’s communist government. He has worked with many architects around the world, including Eero Saarinen. In 1955, Saarinen hired Korab to photograph the architectural design process. The Detroit architectural community embraced Korab’s work and as a result, many firms retained him to document their building and home projects. Balthazar and his wife, Monica reside in Troy, Michigan on a four-acre historic estate where they operate his photography studio.
The 135 stunning black and white photographs that comprise this beautifully printed book are some of Korab’s best work gathered over his 50-year span in the Detroit area. "genius loci (meaning spirit of the place in Latin), CRANBROOK" was published and printed by Cranbrook Press in 2005. On the pages of this remarkable portfolio you will find dramatic views of the Cranbrook Institute grounds as well as many interior and exterior architectural shots. The book is available at Cranbrook Institute and at local bookstores. Korab’s photographic works can also be seen in a book titled "Columbus, Indiana: An American Landmark," published in 1989.
Balthazar Korab images are a testimony to the timeless beauty of Cranbrook. He is an architectural photographer whose interest in all things natural produced this remarkable portrait of Cranbrook and the environment that surrounds it. Korab’s works have been seen in dozens of exhibits here and abroad and can be found in numerous private and public collections.
In fitting tribute to his artistic stature, President Bill Clinton presented a portfolio of 16 of Balthazar Korab’s works to Hungarian president, Arpad Goncz on Goncz’s visit to the White House in 1989.
