A debate on African photography with Calvin Dondo, Sammy Baloji, Julius Mwelu, Ayoko Mensah and N’Goné Fall

This evening is organised by Africalia, in partnership with BOZAR and the Foundation Patrick De Spiegelaere - in the context of the Summer of Photography.

Three new books have enriched the collection Africalia Editions [photo] and show the work of contemporary photographers - Calvin Dondo, Sammy Baloji and members of the Mwelu Foundation - from Africa. 

The topics covered in the work of these artists are numerous. Through Hodhii Zimbabwe Calvin Dondo is interested in humanity and questions the identity of his subjects. An important part of his book focuses on life in Highfield, a high-density suburb of Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe. Sammy Baloji presents inMémoire/Kolwezi two sets of pictures dedicated to the mining region of Katanga, its barren landscapes, the people who live and work there. His work also challenges the dominant representations of the past and the identity of the Congo. The book Julius Mwelu & The Mwelu Foundation / Nairobi brings forward a selection of photos taken by Julius Mwelu and members of the Foundation. These young people bring stories from their daily life in Mathare, one of Nairobi’s slums.

This encounter will be the occasion to discuss the contents of these books and debate the image of Africa in photography and its challenges of perception. A meeting is scheduled between artists Calvin Dondo, Sammy Baloji and Julius Mwelu, Ayoko Mensah (author and cultural consultant), N’Goné Fall (art critic) and the public. A reception will conclude the evening.