Realising dreams

UKBFTOG has partnered with Fujifilm to present a group exhibition in London for the first time, called Living the Dream.

- Musa Bwanali

From 9 March to 7 May, the UK Black Female Photographers community (UKBFTOG) takes centre stage at the Fujifilm House of Photography in London with an exhibition entitled Living the Dream.

Founded by Jemella Ukaegbu in 2017, the UKBFTOG has grown into a community of over 300 emerging, mid-level and professional, award-winning photographers specialising in a variety of genres. The group offers learning and development support and activities that range from studio meetups, photo walks and assisting at photography commissions, to public group exhibitions like this one.

Using photography’s unique power as an instrument to empower women, the exhibition brings together 51 talented Black female photographers of different levels in celebration of culture, creativity and womanhood.

‘For centuries women gather to care, defend, and support each other to freely become the best version of themselves. While continuing to strive for fairness and equality, UKBFTOG members also recognise they are their “ancestors’ wildest dreams”,’ explains Jemella.

The captivating visual display explores the past, present and future of photography, with artists drawing inspiration from their personal experiences and reflections that have informed and shaped their imagination and perception of self and other.

Speaking on the theme of the exhibition, curator Dominique Nok says, ‘I would love the viewer, no matter race, no matter gender, no matter social status, to find within themselves common ground with the image-makers and their works. No ethnicity is the norm of what life should look like, so we dare you to share dreams and aspirations with people who don’t look like us. By taking away this limitation, I believe hidden potential will be unlocked and dreams can be realised.’