Uncovering Delpires art empire of influence

By Ines Min

It’s possible you’ve never heard the name Robert Delpire; but what about Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Frank, Helmut Newton or William Klein?

The famed French publisher who has been one of the most influential figures in photography over the past 60 years is being introduced to the Korean public for the first time via the exhibition.

“Delpire et Cie” (Delpire and Co.) opens this Friday at the Hangaram Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center, and will run until Feb. 27, 2011.

The touring showcase — comprising 185 photographs, four movies and 150 artbooks — is having its first overseas stop outside Europe, raising the curtain on the man who befriended such cultural icons as Cartier-Bresson, Frank and Robert Capa.