A number of African photographers take photographs of people, their environment, situations and challenges and expose them to the public for a greater understanding of their surroundings, and in the case of a foreigner, get insight into places they are yet to visit.
Some of these photographs are among those that mark the beginning and end of movements, showcasing diversity and emphasising respect for the emotions felt during their time. Although some of these photographers were ousted and considered a common nuisance during their time, their works continue to remain impactful and powerful to those who view them.
Here is a list of some interesting photos that have portrayed lives and questioned realities.
1. Malick Sidibé
Malick Sidibé was a celebrated Malian photographer. Working primarily in black and white, his photographs captured lively portraits and scenes of celebration. His best-known works depict the burgeoning pop culture and nightlife of the Malian capital, prolifically documenting young people and their dress in elegantly posed studio portraits with patterned backdrops, which either match or deliberately clash with the sitters’ outfits and poses.
Nuit de noël (Happy Club) by Malick Sidibé, 1963, via Sotheby’s
2. Seydou Keïta
Seydou Keïta lived in Bamako, Mali from 1921 to 2001. A self-taught photographer, he opened a studio in 1948 and specialized in portraiture. Seydou Keïta soon photographed all of Bamako and his portraits gained a reputation for excellence throughout West Africa. His numerous clients were drawn by the quality of his prints and his great sense of aesthetics. Many were young men, dressed in Western style clothing. Some customers brought in items they wanted to be photographed with but Keita also had a choice of European clothing and accessories – watches, pens, radios, scooter, etc. – which he put at their disposal in his studio. The women came in flowing robes often covering their legs and their throats, only beginning to wear Western outfits in the late 60s.
3. David Goldblatt
David Goldblatt chronicled the structures, people and landscapes of South Africa from 1948 until his death in June 2018. Before his death, he was well known for his photography which explored both public and private life in South Africa, Goldblatt created a body of powerful images which depicted life during the time of Apartheid. Goldblatt also extensively photographed colonial era monuments and buildings with the idea that the architecture reveals something about the people who built them.
4. Santu Mofokeng
According to the guardian, the documentary photographer, best known for recording everyday life in the townships of South Africa, has died. His images illuminated the ordinary under apartheid, and captured a society in transformation after the regime ended. Mofokeng was born in 1956 and raised by a single mother in Soweto. He started his career as a photo studio technician and would eventually graduate into photojournalism and more, becoming one of the best South African photographers.
5. Mário Macilau
Mário Macilau (b. 1984, Mozambique, lives and works in Maputo) is a multi-disciplinary artist most known for his photography. Macilau specialises in long-term photography projects and series that address the complex realities of human labour and environmental conditions. Macilau started his journey as a photographer in 2003 from the streets of Maputo, becoming professional when he traded his mother’s cell phone for his first camera in 2007.
