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Gilles Caron. I Wanted to See

Photo : Gilles Caron / Fondation Gilles Caron

Mar 16 – Jul 24

Gilles Caron. I Wanted to See

A major figure in photojournalism, Gilles Caron leaves behind an body of work of unprecedented presence and freshness. Through his images, archives, and his own narrative, this exhibition reveals the journey and passions of a photographer who never ceased to question his practice and his limits.

Grand Palais (Paris 8th)

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About

Missing in Cambodia in 1970 during his final assignment at the age of 30, Gilles Caron became a legendary figure in the history of photojournalism. In a career spanning only five years, he produced nearly 500 reports and over 130,000 photographs, whose power and modernity continue to leave a lasting impression.

The exhibition designed for the Grand Palais gives a voice to Gilles Caron, who recounts his life, his passions, his profession, his doubts, and his regrets. Amidst his images and archives, a tête-à-tête unfolds with a photographer who never ceased to question his practice and his own limits. Guided by his words and voice, the exhibition traces the evolution of his thinking—leaving, seeing, doubting, holding on, returning—and reveals a perspective shaped by a solid general and artistic culture.

Through 150 prints and sometimes little-known archives, from Northern Ireland to Vietnam, from Chad to Israel, from Nigeria to Paris, the exhibition draws us into the conscience of a reporter. His images form a true meditation on photography, its practice, and its relationship to reality. A reflection of surprising relevance, in an age where images make us doubt reality itself.

Our take on this event

Witness the raw intensity of a legendary photojournalist who captured the world's most turbulent turning points through a deeply personal lens. This exhibition offers more than just iconic images; it invites you into the mind of a man who constantly questioned the ethics and limits of his own craft.

The Grand Palais presents J'ai voulu voir, an evocative exhibition dedicated to the legendary photojournalist Gilles Caron, who disappeared in Cambodia at the age of 30. Spanning his intense five-year career, the display showcases 150 photographs and rare archives captured across the globe, from Vietnam to Northern Ireland. This retrospective invites visitors to explore the inner thoughts and artistic evolution of a man whose work continues to define modern photojournalism. The exhibition is fully accessible to wheelchair users, as well as visitors who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or visually impaired, with sign language services available.

Located at the Grand Palais in Paris's 8th arrondissement, the exhibition J'ai voulu voir runs from March 16, 2027, through July 24, 2027. This retrospective highlights the prolific output of Gilles Caron, who produced over 130,000 images during his short but influential career. Through a curated selection of 150 prints and personal archives, the exhibition traces his journey from the conflict zones of the Middle East and Africa to the streets of Paris, offering a meditation on the responsibility and reality of the photographic craft.

Visitors can attend on Fridays from 10:00 to 22:00, and from Tuesday to Sunday between 10:00 and 19:30. Tickets are priced between 0 and 10 euros. The venue is designed to be inclusive, offering full access for wheelchair users and specialized resources for deaf, hard-of-hearing, blind, and visually impaired guests, including sign language integration.

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