Ruth Ossai, a photographer from Nigeria, has earned recognition as one of the most influential photographers today. Her artistic focus centers on portraiture, with a mission to document the diverse members of her community. She directs attention to her subjects, capturing their style and identity with vivid precision. With this, she showcases the unapologetic representation of oneself. Ruth is currently showcasing her work at Tate Modern’s exhibition, A World in Common. Let’s delve deeper into her illustrious career and achievements spanned several years.
Growing up amidst the vibrancy of Nssuka, Nigeria, Ruth had many influences. Her love for photography was ignited during her teenage years when her mother gave her a simple point-and-shoot camera. She instantly began documenting her life in Nigeria, meticulously creating photo albums to share with her family members in the UK.
I wanted to photograph my life in Nigeria to show my other family in Yorkshire. The images were low quality, but I still love this archive. Since then, I’ve been documenting life in Nigeria and Igbo identity. I have only shared these images with a larger audience in the last few years. She shares in an interview with NATAAL magazine.
To this day, Ruth Ossai remains committed to portraying her community with unfiltered authenticity. Her lens becomes a conduit for revealing the raw ‘aspects of her subjects, akin to the portrayal often seen in Nigerian Nollywood films. For instance, her photographic series, ‘Portraits of a Community,’ is a vibrant celebration of London’s African diaspora. Through her art, she strives to empower her subjects by liberating them to embrace their authentic selves and radiate their unique narratives freely.
Ruth’s imagery immortalizes the essence of individuality and cultural heritage, transcending mere photographs and delving into the soul of a united community. As she continues to evolve as an artist, her contributions to the world of photography reverberate with genuine resonance and impact. Ruth Ossai’s journey as a visionary photographer has just begun, and the world eagerly awaits the many more extraordinary stories she will unravel through her lens.
