I can’t remember how I discovered the portfolio of Martine Franck (1938-2012). It was 5 or 6 years ago and it immediately captured my attention. She is now one of my favourite photographers. I feel close to her sensibility & approach to photography and also, I identify myself through her interpretation and methods of photographing people.
She was born in Antwerp in a wealthy family (her father was a banker and an art collector) and grew up between the UK and the USA. She flew back to Europe after the war and studied Arts in Madrid and Paris. She was a passionate traveller and started taking pictures in the ’60s, with her Leica, when she was exploring the Far East. Her favorite subjects were travel shots, artists’ portraits and street photography. After settling in France in 1964, she worked as assistant for photographers such as Eliot Elisofon and Gjon Mili before becoming herself a freelancer. She collaborated with famous magazines (Vogue, Life, Sports Illustrated) as well a Théâtre du Soleil. In 1966 she met Henri Cartier-Bresson whom she married in 1970, they had a daughter, Mélanie, a few years later. In 1980 Martine joined the Magnum Agency. She carefully documented the “human condition” of her times and was an active reporter in capturing social issues.
In her images there is a search for a human touch and shows an empathetic attitude in observing other human beings. I guess that photography was her passion but it probably was also a service that she was performing for the community. In her reportages, she was passionate, committed and curious, in a honest, brave, spontaneous and intense way.
I admire her as a woman and as a photographer. She was socially involved, and put the heart in what she was doing. In her photos I see a hint of curiosity, spontaneity, coolness with a touch of geniality, but also affection. She must have had a warm hearted side and she capable to love people, to be “close” to people. Something that was not shared by her husband, even though he was technically exemplary!
Elena Arvasi Portrait Photographer 