Martine Franck is gone

Photographer Martine Franck, President of the Fondation HCB, passed away on 16 August 2012.

Born in Antwerp in 1938, she grew up in England and Switzerland. After her studies in art history, this world traveller began working as a photographer in the late 1960s. She was actively involved in the creation of the Viva photography agency in 1972 and went on to become a member of Magnum Photos in 1983.

Her curiosity about others led her quite naturally to the portrait but also to reportages on social issues. With a keen sense of form, she created an imposing body of landscapes as well. And as a faithful companion of the Théâtre du Soleil stage ensemble, she followed the troupe with her discreetly professional eye from its beginnings in the 1960s.

Along with her husband, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and their daughter, Mélanie, Martine Franck devoted herself wholeheartedly to the creation of the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson in 2003 and became its president the following year.

Her grace has left its mark on all those who knew her.

A selection of her photographs will be presented at the Fondation HCB as of 12 September 2012.