From Conflict to Intimacy: A Tribute to Marie-Laure de Decker at the MEP
The Maison Européenne de la Photographie (MEP) presents the first comprehensive retrospective dedicated to Marie-Laure de Decker, a pioneering force in photojournalism. This long-overdue recognition not only reintroduces her powerful body of work but also honors her singular ability to weave together the personal and the historical — a vision that resonates powerfully in our time.
Armed with her camera, Marie-Laure de Decker chronicled the seismic shifts of the late 20th century. From war zones to resistance movements, she embedded herself in the heart of global change. In a field where women were few and far between, de Decker broke barriers with unshakable resolve, carving out a space for herself in a profession that demanded resilience, risk, and deep personal sacrifice.
Starting in the 1970s, she redefined the practice of photojournalism. Rather than sensationalize conflict, her lens sought the quiet strength and dignity of those caught in its wake. Whether portraying South Africa under apartheid, the devastation of Vietnam, or the resistance in Chile, her images speak not through spectacle but through empathy. Her portraits of Chadian fighters and Yemeni women activists, for instance, reveal the human dimension of struggle—emphasizing experience over confrontation.
About the Author
Born in 1947, Marie-Laure de Decker built a career that spanned over four decades, marked by both artistic sensitivity and journalistic rigor. She covered some of the most defining political and social crises of her era, from the Vietnam War to the anti-colonial movements in Africa. Her portfolio extends beyond conflict: she produced intimate, enduring portraits of cultural icons like Marcel Duchamp, Federico Fellini, and Françoise Sagan, as well as statesmen including Nelson Mandela and François Mitterrand. In the 1980s, her photographic range expanded into the realms of fashion and cinema, further showcasing her adaptability and creative depth.
This retrospective is not only a look back at an extraordinary career but also an invitation to engage with an artist who consistently placed humanity at the center of her vision.
Exhibition Tribute to Marie-Laure de Decker
through 28 September 2025
MEP – Paris – France
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