Past and Present in Haiti

Corentin Fohlen

March 17, 2023

Daily life in Haiti is extremely challenging. The French photographer decided to take stock and was obliged to conclude that, if you want to understand the present, you have to deal with the past.
He feels that he is still a long way from telling the island’s full story through his pictures. He remembers very clearly how it all evolved: “I’ve been dealing, professionally, with Haiti since 2010. I’ve travelled there twenty-five times, always with the aim of exploring, understanding and getting to know its people, culture, history and daily life. I’m in love with this country,” he enthuses. “Completely. Intensely. I have dedicated so much time to it. I’ve published four books about Haiti. It has changed me and my way of working. I’ve stopped chasing after headlines. I’ve taken my time and immersed myself deeply into life in Haiti.”

This has resulted in unforgettable images: black and white, with an almost classic feel; always precisely composed; and full of informative content, beyond what the eye sees. Fohlen offers a glimpse of the country’s history, while making a declaration of love to its people.
Katrin Iwanczuk
ALL IMAGES ON THIS PAGE: © Corentin Fohlen
EQUIPMENT: Leica M (Typ 240) and Leica M10 with Apo-Summicron-M 90 f/2 Asph, Summilux-M 35 and 50 f/1.4 Asph

LFI 2.2023+-

Corentin Fohlen's monochrome reportage on everyday life in Haiti is featured in LFI Magazine 2.2023. More

Corentin Fohlen+-

© Valerie Baeriswyl
© Valerie Baeriswyl

Born in Quimper, France, in 1981, Fohlen wanted to become a comic strip artist, before discovering photography. He has been published in The New York Times, Paris Match, Libération, Stern, Le Monde and Die Zeit.

Fohlen has received a number of awards. He turned his extended stays in Haiti into the book, Haïti, which was published in January 2017 by Editions Light Motiv. More

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Past and Present in Haiti

Corentin Fohlen