The African Gaze: Photography, Cinema and Power by Amy Sall
Amateur Photographer|September 03, 2024
This new book is an important overview of some of the most intriguing photography in the world, says Amy Davies
Amy Davies
The African Gaze: Photography, Cinema and Power by Amy Sall

£45, Thames and Hudson, hardcover, 288 pages, ISBN: 9780500025390

If you’ve been keen to educate yourself on the history of African photography, but haven’t been entirely sure where to begin, then a book like this will be a gift for you.

This comprehensive exploration of postcolonial and contemporary photography (and cinema) from Africa draws upon extensive archival imagery and documents, as well as interviews with the photographers and filmmakers featured (or relatives/associates if the artist is deceased).

Alongside that, we also have essays from writers, scholars and curators which all help to put the work into context. Overall, the result is a fantastic introduction to an area that has been all too often overlooked until relatively recently.

This new book has been beautifully put together, with some extraordinary imagery and stories. It consists of two sections (photography and cinema), with each featuring 25 artists, and each attempting to ensure there is a good geographical balance and representation.

My interest lies more squarely with the photography section, but there’s still plenty to enjoy in the cinema half too.

Some of the biggest names in African photography/cinematography are included in this volume – if you don’t know them, now is the time to find out who they are. That includes Malick Sidibé, Sanlé Sory and Seydou Keïta, who have all become highly collectible figures in the art market.

Other names you might perhaps recognise a bit more readily include Samuel Fosso and Ernest Cole, both of which we have featured in recent years here in Amateur Photographer. An extended interview with Fosso is also included in the book.

The book is edited by Amy Sall, who is a writer, independent researcher and collector archivist based in New York. She’s also the founding editor of SUNU: Journal of African Affairs, Critical Thought + Aesthetics.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة September 03, 2024 من Amateur Photographer.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة September 03, 2024 من Amateur Photographer.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHER مشاهدة الكل
Calling The Shots: A Queer History of Photography
Amateur Photographer

Calling The Shots: A Queer History of Photography

Offering an unprecedented view of photographic history through a queer lens, this is a wonderful and powerful book, says

time-read
1 min  |
November 26, 2024
Large-aperture standard zoom, too
Amateur Photographer

Large-aperture standard zoom, too

SONY has also revealed a new premium standard zoom, the FE 28-70mm F2 GM.

time-read
1 min  |
November 26, 2024
Super-fast, high-res Sony Alpha Ai II
Amateur Photographer

Super-fast, high-res Sony Alpha Ai II

SONY has announced its new professional full-frame flagship camera, the Alpha A1 II.

time-read
1 min  |
November 26, 2024
39 awesome accessories
Amateur Photographer

39 awesome accessories

Our round-up of the best accessories we've used and reviewed this year, along with some old favourites. There's something here for every budget, starting from just £7, including tripods, bags, filters and much more

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 26, 2024
Such a thing as society
Amateur Photographer

Such a thing as society

This autumn sees the launch of a major new book and exhibition devoted to examining the multiplicities of photography during 1980s Britain. Peter Dench finds out more

time-read
6 mins  |
November 26, 2024
Join Club
Amateur Photographer

Join Club

The sociable Canvey Island Photographic Club is keen to grow its in-person meet ups

time-read
2 mins  |
November 26, 2024
Capturing flight
Amateur Photographer

Capturing flight

Winners and finalists of Bird Photographer of the Year share their tips for success with Hollie Latham Hucker

time-read
10 mins  |
November 26, 2024
140 years of change
Amateur Photographer

140 years of change

AP has become the world’s oldest surviving consumer photo magazine because we have moved with the times, says Nigel Atherton

time-read
2 mins  |
September 24, 2024
Preserving history in platinum
Amateur Photographer

Preserving history in platinum

A deep dive into the meticulous art of platinum printing, and the collaboration between the Royal Geographical Society and Salto Ulbeek. Mike Crawford explores how they brought historical photographs to life with enduring beauty and precision

time-read
7 mins  |
September 24, 2024
Life in the past lane
Amateur Photographer

Life in the past lane

What was life like for an amateur photographer in 1884? John Wade takes a trip back in time

time-read
3 mins  |
September 24, 2024