Pierre Toutain-Dorbec

Toutain-Dorbec by French writer, journalist Philippe Ganier-Raymond
Pierre Toutain-Dorbec, a Franco-American photographer and artist, has been traveling the world since 1968, working both independently and with leading international magazines and photo agencies such as Gamma and Sygma. While known for his coverage of major events—including the Poland Crisis, Vietnam, Kampuchea, Burma, and Ukraine—his work goes beyond reportage.
Guided by a deep humanistic sensibility, Toutain-Dorbec has devoted his career to capturing the dignity, suffering, and spirit of people in times of crisis and transformation. His photographs, shaped by a strong artistic vision, often blur the line between documentary and fine art photography. He has authored nearly 60 books exploring themes of conflict, culture, spirituality, and the poetry of everyday life.
His work is widely exhibited and celebrated for its rare blend of compassion, aesthetic rigor, and timeless storytelling.

Atelier de la Grande Chaumière, Paris, 1960s — assistant to photographer Willy Maywald. Later studies in Buddhist philosophy in Thailand and India.

Chez Willy, Par mes Yeux, Paris / France, 1968
À la Grande-Chaumiére, Des Encres, Paris / France, 1969
La Photographie Galerie, Premiers Voyages, Pont-Audemer / France, 1976
Shangrila Hôtel, Encres d’Inde, New-Delhi / Inde, 1976
Easy Art, Des Solitudes, Calcutta / Inde, 1977
Best Art, Du Vide, Calcutta / Inde, 1978
Nandy Art Shop , Gange, Bénarès / Inde, 1978
Asnaouï Art Center, Désert, Rabat / Maroc, 1979
Maison des Arts, Du Sable, Casablanca / Maroc, 1980
Art Center, Pour Toi, Bangkok / Thaïlande, 1980
Sirinat Modern Art, Buddhism, Chiang-Maï / Thaïlande, 1981
Art Connexion, Temples, Bangkok / Thaïlande, 1981
Centre d’Art, Les Enfants et la Guerre, Évreux / France, 1981
Centre d’Art Contemporain, Les Enfants et la Guerre, Annecy / France, 1982
Maison de la Culture, Les Enfants Soldats, Tours / France, 1982
Katmandu Art, Abstractions, Katmandu / Népal, 1983
Galerie Saint-Paul, Ultra Seul, Paris / France, 1983
Galerie Saint-Paul, Encore ?, Paris / France, 1984
Singapor Shangrila, Ultra Larmes, Singapour, 1986
Temps de Pose, Sculptures, Paris / France, 1986
Maison de la Culture, Nouvelles Encres, Bruxelles / Belgique, 1987
Temps de Pose, Tout noir, P...