Magnum photographer Abbas dies in Paris at 74
Iranian-born French photojournalist Abbas Attar, known as Abbas, died in Paris at age 74. A member of Magnum Photos since 1981, Abbas was a key figure in the agency. He began his career with Sipa (1971–1973) and Gamma (1974–1980) before joining Magnum. He documented the Iranian Islamic Revolution from 1978 to 1980, an event that deeply affected him, leading to a 17-year self-exile from Iran until 1997. His book 'Iran Diary 1971-2002' became a landmark in photojournalism. Abbas covered conflicts in Biafra, Bangladesh, Northern Ireland, and Vietnam, as well as apartheid in South Africa and the drug war in Mexico. He also produced books on religious rituals in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the Arab world, and Mexico, exploring Hinduism, animism, and Buddhism. His photographs have been exhibited worldwide. Magnum confirmed his death without providing details.
Key facts
- Abbas Attar died in Paris at age 74
- He was a member of Magnum Photos since 1981
- He documented the Iranian Islamic Revolution from 1978 to 1980
- He lived in self-exile from Iran for 17 years, returning in 1997
- His book 'Iran Diary 1971-2002' is considered a photojournalism manifesto
- He covered conflicts in Biafra, Bangladesh, Northern Ireland, and Vietnam
- He documented apartheid in South Africa and the drug war in Mexico
- He produced books on religious rituals in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the Arab world, and Mexico
Entities
Artists
- Abbas Attar
Institutions
- Magnum Photos
- Sipa
- Gamma
- BBC
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Khash
- Iran
- Biafra
- Bangladesh
- Northern Ireland
- Vietnam
- South Africa
- Mexico
- India
- Nepal
- Sri Lanka
- Indonesia
- Arab world