The Photo London 2023 event recently featured some of Africa’s most talented artists. The event took place in May at Somerset House in London, England, and showcased the works of many international artists. Among them were Samuel Fosso, Lindokuhle Sobekwa, Fouad Elkoury, Prince Gyasi, Baudouin Mouanda, Ezz Monem, and Atong Atem. These artists have gained recognition in the photography world for their unique perspectives, innovative techniques, and thought-provoking subject matter. This article provides insight into some of the African artists who stood out at this event.
Samuel Fosso, a Cameroonian photographer, was one of the standout artists at the event. His photographs explore themes of identity, gender, and race, often through self-portraiture. Foss uses bold colors and elaborate costumes that create striking images. These images demand attention as they evoke the spirits of his ancestors.
125 × 100 × 1 cm
image courtesy of Artsy.
Lindokuhle Sobekwa, a young South African photographer, also presented his work at the event. Sobekwa’s photography focuses on his home country’s social and political issues. In his seSobekwa captures the struggles of young people addicted to a street drug that is prevalent in South Africa. His images are raw and intimate, drawing the viewer into the lives of his subjects. This highlights the realities of life in a society facing many challenges.
Another artist who stood out was Fouad Elkoury, a Lebanese photographer who has been working in Africa for many years. His work often explores themes of memory and the passage of time. In his featured series, “Diary,” Elkoury presents a visual diary of his travels through Africa. He documents the people, places, and events that have left a lasting impression on him. His photographs are often dreamlike and poetic, creating a sense of nostalgia and longing for a time gone by.
Prince Gyasi, a Ghanaian photographer, is known for his vibrant and colorful portraits that celebrate the beauty and diversity of African culture. His photographs often feature everyday people, capturing the essence of their lives and personalities. Gyasi’s work has been exhibited around the world, and his unique style has earned him a large following on social media.
Image Courtesy of Artsy.
Baudouin Mouanda, a Congolese photographer based in France, also presented his work at the event. Mouanda’s photography explores themes of migration, identity, and displacement. In his series “Les Enfants de Soweto,” Mouanda documents the lives of young people in South Africa’s townships, highlighting the challenges they face in a society still grappling with the legacy of apartheid. His images are powerful and emotive, telling stories that are both personal and universal.
Untitled, 2008. Giclee Print on Fine Art Paper. 45 × 30 cm
Image courtesy of Artsy
Ezz Monem, an Egyptian photographer, presented his series “Women of Egypt” at the event. His photographs celebrate the strength and resilience of Egyptian women, who are often marginalized in their society. Monem’s portraits are powerful and dignified, capturing the spirit of his subjects and challenging the viewer’s preconceptions about gender and identity.
Atong Atem, a South Sudanese-Australian photographer, explores themes of migration, displacement, and belonging in her work. Her series “Third Culture Kids” features portraits of people who have grown up between two or more cultures, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that come with such experiences. Atem’s images are bold and colorful, celebrating the diversity of the people she photographs and challenging the viewer to rethink their assumptions about identity and belonging.
The Photo London 2023 featured a diverse range of African artists whose work explores a variety of themes and perspectives. Be sure to check it out on their website and At Artsy Net before 29th May 2023.
