The Maison Européenne de la Photographie (MEP, European House of Photography), a leading photography institution in Paris, announced the departure of its director, Simon Baker, in a notably diplomatic statement issued on Monday, September 8: "After seven years of intense and dynamic artistic collaboration, the Maison européenne de la photographie announces the end of Simon Baker's tenure as its director. (…) The MEP and its board of directors wish him every success in his future professional endeavors." In reality, Baker's tenure ended with a dismissal, although he had represented MEP at the Rencontres d'Arles photography festival this summer, where he organized an exhibition focused on couturier Yves Saint Laurent's relationship with photography. Baker did not respond to our requests for comment.

Caroline Miller, MEP's general administrator, did not offer any explanation for the decision but specified: "The board of directors, which includes elected officials from the Ville de Paris, individuals connected to the world of photography, and external members, unanimously decided to end this collaboration. After seven years, there was a desire to renew the management approach."

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