David Seymour, also known as Chim, was born on November 20, 1911, in Poland. He grew up in Warsaw and Odessa with his parents and older sister. Unfortunately, his parents were killed when the Nazis took over Poland, leaving Chim to fend for himself at a young age. Despite the tragedy, Chim found solace in his love for art and photography.
While studying at La Sorbonne in Paris, Chim discovered his passion for photography. He began honing his skills behind the lens and realized the power of capturing moments that tell a story. At the young age of twenty-two, he embarked on a career as a journalist, using photography as his medium to shed light on important social and political issues.
Chim's career in photojournalism took off when he covered the Spanish Civil War. His powerful images captured the devastation and struggle of war, earning him recognition as a talented and courageous photographer. His work during World War II, specifically with refugee children, further solidified his reputation as a compassionate documentarian.
In 1947, Chim co-founded the iconic Magnum Photos cooperative, a collective of renowned photographers dedicated to photojournalism. He served as the president of Magnum Photos from 1954 until his untimely death in 1956, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and excellence in the field of photography.
Despite his tragic death during the Suez crisis in Egypt, Chim's work lives on as a testament to his passion for photography and dedication to truth-telling. His impact on the field of photojournalism is immeasurable, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of photographers to strive for excellence and empathy in their work.
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