We support Antonín Kratochvíl

A world-renowned and recognized Czech documentary photographer, Antonín Kratochvíl, was recently accused by several women (former colleagues), of having acted boorishly towards them. The VII Photo Agency, of which Kratochvíl is a co-founder, immediately suspended him and removed his work from its website and his name from its list of emeritus members. We, the members of the photographic association 400 ASA, of which Kratochvíl is an esteemed member, believe it necessary to speak out against this regrettable act.

With his work, his photographs, and the course of his life, Kratochvíl has frequently demonstrated that he is a person of extraordinary creative talent, personal bravery, and an exceptional humane approach to his subject matter. His work has had an undeniable influence on documentary photography all over the world. Nothing can change that fact, not even a digital lynch on social networks in the form of the #MeToo campaign.
Consequently, the members of 400 ASA unanimously declare that they are proud to collaborate with this icon of photography, they stand behind his high-quality work, and will gladly show his photographs and stand behind him. 400 ASA honours the principle of presumption of innocence, and believes that nothing of what Antonín Kratochvíl has been accused should have any bearing on assessments of his work so far.

foto: ČTK/Pancer Václav