Photojournalist Piet den Blanken from Breda died on Monday at the age of 71 in a hospital in Guatemala. This was during his trip through Latin America. Here he got sick a month ago. He eventually died in front of his son.
Den Blanken was mainly known for his special photos that were made about injustice. He shot countless pictures of special stories all over the world. Still, Den Blanken’s love for Latin America was greatest. He has also made several photo series here.
One of those photo series is called ‘Mama is sick’. Chosen by Piet as his most beautiful work. A series about Ivania Brooks from Managua, the capital of Nicaragua. A story about a mother of four who went into prostitution in order to survive. Den Blanken saw her regularly at that time. The woman eventually died at the age of 33.
From chemistry student to photojournalist
Piet den Blanken finished his chemistry studies at the HTS in Eindhoven in 1972. He refused to join the army after graduating. Shortly afterwards he worked at the Brabants Dagblad, where he became acquainted with photojournalism. He studied reportage photography at the Fotovakschool. Thus, he officially became a much-loved photojournalist.
ALSO READ: Piet (70) has been portraying injustice for years with beautiful photos