Iconic Swiss Photographer Who Captured Picasso, Che Guevara Dies

GENEVA, Switzerland – The world of photojournalism is mourning the death of one of its greatest, iconic Swiss photographer René Burri, 81, who died in Zurich this week.

Magnum Photos which represented Burri for more than 50 years, said the photographer died on Monday 20 October but did not comment on the cause of death:

“It is with great sadness that Magnum Photos announces the passing of photographer René Burri, member since 1959.

Burri, was a one-of-a-kind photographer who successfully mixed his passion and talent for fine art and celebrity portraits.

He captured iconic images from Le Corbusier to American G.I.s in brothels in Korea; from Pablo Picasso and Ingrid Bergman to Winston Churchill and Ernesto “Che” Guevara.

He also witnessed historical events such as the Suez Canal reopening and largely documented the life of Argentinian Gauchos.

Le Monde France has a great series of Burri’s photos and Magnum has created a slide show with some of his most representative work.

The Guardian also carries a great article on his life, but for me, this interview on Vimeo by Port Magazine, may be one of the best odes yet to an immense talent.