Acclaimed documentary photographer Stephen Shames is currently in Perpignan, France, participating in the prestigious Visa pour l'Image photography festival, where he will be signing copies of his latest book at the Couvent des Minimes. For nearly sixty years, Shames has been documenting the world through his lens, capturing raw emotions and profound truths that lie behind both global political issues and deeply personal human experiences.
Shames' extraordinary body of work spans from chronicling the Black Panther movement in his groundbreaking book "Power to the People: The World of the Black Panthers" to exposing the silent crisis of child poverty in America through "Outside the Dream: Child Poverty in America." Throughout his career, his photography has consistently illuminated the humanity at the heart of struggles and survival, bringing visibility to stories that might otherwise remain untold.
The exhibition in Perpignan features images from Shames' comprehensive retrospective book "Stephen Shames: A Lifetime in Photography," published by Kehrer. This stunning collection presents both iconic images that have defined his career as well as numerous previously unpublished photographs that offer new insights into his artistic journey. The retrospective demonstrates the remarkable breadth of Shames' work, showcasing his ability to capture diverse subjects with equal sensitivity and power.
While Shames has photographed an incredibly wide range of subjects throughout his career – from political leaders to ordinary citizens across various cultures – a common thread runs through all his photographs: a deep exploration of what divides us and what brings us together as human beings. His compelling images of children and families reveal complex stories of violence, abuse, love, hope, and transcendence, offering viewers a window into the full complexity of the human experience.
Reflecting on his artistic approach, Shames explains his intuitive methodology: "I don't think my images, I feel them. They come from my heart and my soul." This emotional connection to his subjects has been the driving force behind his most powerful and impactful photographs, allowing him to create images that resonate deeply with viewers around the world.
The book signing event is scheduled for September 4, 2025, at 5:30 PM at the Couvent des Minimes, located at 24 rue François Rabelais in Perpignan. Additionally, as part of Visa pour l'Image 2025, a collective exhibition will take place in September at Paris Gare de Lyon, where one photograph from each exhibition will be presented to Parisian audiences.
The comprehensive monograph "Stephen Shames: A Lifetime in Photography" is published by Kehrer and features texts by Jeffrey Scales and Stephen Shames himself. The 228-page book measures 24 × 31.6 cm and contains 136 illustrations in both color and black and white, available for 55 euros in Europe and comparable pricing in the US market.
