Jean Gaumy

Originally from the French southwest coast, Gaumy has often returned to his maritime roots (he currently lives in Fecamp, a fishermen's harbour, in Normandy), most recently following traditional Spanish fishing boats that are the last of their kind in Europe. He has natural empathy for the atmosphere of the sea and environmental subjects. A student of modern literature, Gaumy started his professional career as an editor and photographer in Rouen, Normandy for a daily newspaper . He then worked with the Gamma agency from 1973 to 1977. His first published documentary was the 1976 L'hôpital (The Hospital), a stark statement on the French health system. His 1983 study of French prison life was similarly considered pioneering. In 1977 Gaumy joined Magnum and became a full member in 1986. Since then, Gaumy has expressed himself both through films (La Boucane, 1984, Jean-Jacques, 1987, Marcel, Pretre, 1994) and photographic reportages made in Europe, the USA, most African countries, the Middle East, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. He became well-known for his photography of open-sea sailing and a celebrated 1986 report on post-revolutionary life in Iran.

Jean Gaumy Images:
Aiguille De Belval - France
Pont De Normandie - France