An independent photographer in the service of world heritage
Hans Silvester, a former photojournalist with Rapho, embodies the very essence of the independent photographer. With a career spanning more than six decades, he is widely recognized for his deep commitment to preserving disappearing heritage and defending both cultures and the natural world.
His photographic approach, grounded in trust and total immersion among his subjects, enables him to capture images of rare authenticity.
Hans Silvester has devoted himself to universal themes such as ecology, the protection of the planet and animal life, while also giving particular attention to simple, everyday objects.
Among his most emblematic works, are his photographs of the tribes of southern Ethiopia, notably the peoples of the Omo Valley. These images, taken at a time when their ancestral customs were beginning to vanish under the pressure of modern civilization, now stand as invaluable testimonies to cultures on the brink of extinction.
Hans Silvester has also explored the beauty and simplicity of Provençal and Camargue landscapes, since his first journey in 1958, enriching his body of work with a wealth of images capturing the light and life of southern France.
An internationally renowned artist
Hans Silvesterâs works are sought after by leading museums worldwide and have been presented at prestigious festivals such as “Visa pour lâimage” in Perpignan, “Photâaubrac” and “the Rencontres dâArles“.
In 2022, his talent was officially recognized with the Prix Albert Kahn, a distinction highlighting the importance of his work of memory.
The year 2024 marked a significant milestone in his career, with the presentation of his pĂ©tanque photographs under the “âOlympiades Culturellesâ label” at the Rencontres dâArles, alongside an exhibition at the ChĂąteau de Gordes, where his images were staged in a striking scenography .
Discover and acquire the works of Hans Silvester
At Gallery Retour De Voyage, we have the privilege of regularly presenting Hans Silvesterâs photographs, whether through dedicated exhibitions or via a permanent photographic collection
We would be delighted to welcome you to our art gallery boutique hotel in LâIsle-sur-la-Sorgue, whether for an afternoon visit, a full day, or a longer stay, from the iconic images of the Omo and Bench peoples, to lesser-known series on Japan, pĂ©tanque, Provence in silver photography and cats in Greece. .
We also regularly organize meetings with Hans Silvester, who, despite his schedule, remains remarkably generous in sharing his experiences and vision of the world
We would be delighted to welcome you to our art gallery boutique hotel in LâIsle-sur-la-Sorgue , whether for an afternoon visit, a full day, or a longer stay.
To discover the full collection of Hans Silvesterâs photographs and books, we invite you to visit our online gallery.
Current events with Hans Silvester
Silver Silvester Exhibition
From May 1 April to 30 April 2026, Silver Silvester presents 27 rare silver gelatin prints by Hans Silvester, produced between 1958 and 1976.
Published in editions of only five, these black-and-white photographs reveal the depth of his vision and his mastery of traditional printing techniques.
After the exhibition, the works will remain available for viewing by appointment at the Retour De Voyage gallery, 6 rue Rose Goudard in LâIsle sur la Sorgue
Petanque
From May 30 April to 6 June 2026,
at the NOP Galerie, within the psychotherapeutic center of Nancy-Laxou.
This exhibition is part of a unique project bringing together sport, culture, education and artistic creation . It brings together some of Hans Silvester's iconic photographs devoted to this typically Provençal sport..
Festival de la Camargue
From May 13 to 17 May 2026, Hans Silvester will be the patron of the 18th Festival de la Camargue and will exhibit his photographs at the Village de lâOiseau, Grand Chapiteau in Port-Saint-Louis-du-RhĂŽne.
Book signings and dedications of his photographic works will also take place with Hans Silvester.
âJapan 1968â exhibition
On the occasion of the release of the artistâs book Japan 1968 1968,
Gallery Retour De Voyage presented in December 2025 an exhibition dedicated, to this unique collectorâs piece.
The book is enriched by the collaboration of calligrapher Master Chen Yong Wu.
The book, photographs and calligraphies remain visible within the galleryâs permanent collection.