( Boskovice, 1938 – )
Trained as an aeronautical engineer, Koudelka has emerged as a leading documentary photographer of our time.
In 1967, at the young age of 29, he was honored by an award from the Association of Czech Artists for his innovative photographic work on the Czech theatre. His most passionate work is his photographic work on the European Gypsies, which forms the basis of his Nader Prize winning publication, ‘ Gypsies ’, published in 1975. He received political asylum in the U.K., in 1977 and has been a part of the prestigious agency of photographers, Magnum.
In 1975, MOMA, New York, organized an exhibition of his works. Amongst other recognitions, received by this exceptional photographer are: Gran Prix National de la Photographie. ICP Award for his publication "Exils" (1989), Hugo Erfurth Award (1989), Henri Cartier-Bresson International Award (1991) and the Photography Prize of the Erna and Victor Hasselblad Foundation (1992).