Koen Wessing (1942–2011) was a prominent Dutch photographer known for his evocative and socially conscious photojournalism. Born in Amsterdam during the German occupation, he began his career as a freelance photographer in 1963 after apprenticing under Ed van der Elsken. Wessing gained international recognition for documenting significant political events, including the May 1968 protests in Paris, the military coup in Chile in 1973, and various conflicts and social issues across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. His work is characterized by a focus on 'the losers'—the marginalized, the oppressed, and the victims of history. He was noted for his ability to capture human dignity amidst turmoil. Wessing received several accolades, including the Alblasprijs in 1989, and his extensive archive is held in major institutions such as the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam and the Rijksmuseum.[1,2]
