Erwitt was born in France in 1928, but moved to the USA with his Russian émigré parents in 1939. While studying in Hollywood, he earned extra money by processing portraits of movie stars, thus basically beginning a career in photography. During one of his sojourns in New York City in the late 1940s, he met Edward Steichen, Robert Capa, and Roy Stryker, who were to have a considerable influence on his work. In 1951, he was drafted into the US Army and was stationed in Europe, during which time he took photographs for numerous periodicals and books. Shortly after completing military service in 1953, Erwitt was invited by Robert Capa to join Magnum Photos. In 1968, Erwitt became President of the agency and continues to be an active member to this day. Among his diverse works are numerous books, journalistic essays, and advertising photos. Since the 1970s, he has also been making films.

Elliott Erwitt is one of the best-known photographers in the world. His works are widely considered masterpieces. Predominantly black-and-white, they portray prominent figures and absurd situations from everyday life. The predominant characteristic of his work is subtle humour, which features particularly in his socially concerned photographs from various corners of the world. The exhibition also includes his famous portraits and examples of his world-renowned series of dogs.

The exhibition is accompanied by the extra large format Elliott Erwitt XXL Special Edition, published by teNeues to accompany the exhibition.

The exhibition is held with financial support of the State Fund of Culture of the Czech Republic.