The contributions of seven patrons allowed us to start from scratch and completely redesign the site. They are all members of the photo community, and they all share the same passion for the medium despite their different backgrounds. We would like to introduce you to Maja Hoffmann (LUMA Foundation), Yann Arthus-Bertrand, Philippe Gassmann (Picto) and W.M. Hunt. The other three wished to remain anonymous. Our coverage this month was made possible by them. Once again, thank you!
Maja Hoffmann, President of the LUMA Foundation
Maja Hoffmann discovered photography twenty years ago while working for the legendary Swiss photo magazine Caméra. Since then, she has taken an interest in contemporary art through the LUMA foundation, which she founded. She is the patron of the Rencontres d’Arles, where she plans to transform the former SNCF studios into a center for exhibitions and production of contemporary art, with the help of Frank Gehry.
Yann Arthus Bertrand, Photographe
Yann Arthus Bertrand started photography with lions in Kenya in 1976. He is the author of the bestselling photo book La Terre vue du ciel, with 3.5 million copies sold. Today he splits his time between film, photography, his foundation and other charitable initiatives. His motto: photography should be accessible to everyone and at low prices. He dislikes the idea of limited, numbered and vintage prints. His studio is opened in Paris, rue de Seine.
Philippe Gassmann, CEO of Picto Labs
His grandfather, Pierre, was a friend of Cartier-Bresson and a founder of the legendary postwar photo studio Pictorial, where all the major figures of French photography gathered. When his father, Eddy, died young, Philippe Gassmann took over the lab. Today, he is one of the country’s main sponsors for festivals and supports young artists through the Bourse du Talent and the Prix de la Jeune Photographie de Mode.
W.M. Hunt, Collector and Curator
W. M. Hunt has been an actor, gallery owner and collector. His collection was the focus of the book Unseen Eye and an exhibition that toured the world. Today he continues to collect, curate and lecture.
