Paul Senn’s shadow lingers at the Rivesaltes camp. In February 1942, this Swiss photographer documented in great detail the living conditions in the French internment camp. His is an exceptional account, since few photographers had access to the camps where Spaniards, Jews, gypsies and undesirable foreigners were interned under France’s Vichy regime, many of whom were sent to death camps.

A committed photographer, Paul Senn used his work to advocate against war and its civilian victims, especially children. In 1939, he covered the Spanish Civil War, the retreat of the International Brigades and, in early 1939, the exodus of the Spanish into France. He always got as close as possible to his subjects, taking striking photos.