2023-06-15 01:55:10
The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) present James Barnor : Accra/London—A Retrospectivea comprehensive survey of the pioneering Ghanaian photographer, marking the first American retrospective of his influential work. James Barnor has spent six decades documenting periods of major social, cultural and political change in his native country and the African diaspora in the UK.
From May 28 to October 15, 2023, the exhibition features over 170 photos from Barnor’s archive of over 32,000 images, dating from the 1950s to 1980s and offering views of the artist’s native Ghana, as well as the diaspora African in the UK. , in a period of major social and political changes.
Accra/London was initiated and curated by Serpentine, London, which launched the acclaimed exhibition in 2021. It was curated by Lizzie Carey-Thomas, Chief Curator, Serpentine and Awa Konaté: Culture Art Society (CAS), Assistant Curator and in collaboration with Clémentine de la Féronnière, Sophie Culière (James Barnor Archives) and Isabella Senuita. The exhibition was presented at MASI Lugano, Switzerland, in 2022 following the presentation in London. The DIA presentation includes additional photographs of Barnor from the museum’s permanent collection. The DIA will also recreate Barnor’s Ever Young Portrait Studio to give visitors a glimpse into his early artistic environment.
This exhibition continues a series of DIA programs that elevate black voices around the world, while building important literacy over these decades. The exhibit comes following highly acclaimed DIA exhibits that have spotlighted black artists, including Black Is Beautiful: The Photographs of Kwame Brathwaite (2021), Shirley Woodson: Shield of the Nile Reflections (2021), and The New Black Vanguard: Photography Between Art and Fashion (2021), among others.
Through intimate portraiture, photojournalism and lifestyle photography, Barnor approached his work as a conversation between individuals and himself. Barnor’s artistic career spans six decades and enriches the diversity of contemporary African art beyond textiles and sculpture. His work highlights important milestones in modern African history, documenting the people, events, societies and happenings of Ghana as the country transitioned from a British colony to an independent nation. This work continues in his images of the African diaspora in the UK. Consequently, his work has influenced photographers in Africa and around the world.
“I am honored that the Detroit Institute of Arts has chosen to spotlight my work, allowing Detroit audiences to experience the significant years of African history and culture that the photos represent,” said photographer James Barnor . “I hope these images can inspire a new generation of artists. »
“It is with immense pride that we present the brilliant photographs of James Barnor, and this exhibition represents a defining moment for our museum as we share his important and impactful work,” said DIA Director Salvador Salort- Pons. “I express my sincere gratitude to our co-curators, Nii and Nancy, for their tireless work in bringing this exhibition to our community and leading this critical dialogue. »
“It is a pleasure to present this important photographic collection on African life and history,” said Nii Quarcoopome, head of the Africa, Oceania and Native Americas department and curator of African art at the Detroit Institute of Arts. “Barnor’s intimate photographs challenge and expand our notion of African art; they also tell stories regarding Accra and London where he lived and worked, capturing the lives and lifestyles in transition in Africa and the Diaspora. We hope that this illuminating presentation will encourage further discussion and discovery of Africa from this period.
“The Detroit Institute of Arts is committed to representing a wide range of photography from different voices, viewpoints, and backgrounds, and this incredible exhibit exemplifies our continued efforts,” said Nancy Barr, Department Head, Prints, Drawings and photographs and James Pearson Duffy. Curator of Photography at the Detroit Institute of Arts. “Barnor’s vibrant images, including some from our own collection, document an important moment in history and we are thrilled to bring them to American audiences. »
Born in 1929 in Ghana, James Barnor established his famous Ever Young Studio in Accra in the early 1950s, making portraits of political, cultural and other local figures. After moving to London in 1959, he found success as a fashion and editorial photographer with African magazines such as Flamingo and with the South African anti-apartheid publication Drum, while shooting covers and features that reflected the spirit of the times and the dynamic style of the African diaspora. Returning to his native country in the 1970s, he founded the country’s first color photo processing laboratory and continued to work as a portrait photographer. Throughout his long career, he has worked with Ghanaian Highlife musicians and documented fashion, sport and society with exceptional passion. Now 90, he currently lives in London.
James Barnor : Accra/London—A Retrospective
May 28 – October 15, 2023
The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA)
5200 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48202
www.DIA.org
1686797915
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