John Kenny: Capturing the true beauty of Africa

Africa, a continent widespread in culture, colours and people has been the fascination and inspiration of many movies, books and photography. Africa’s visual culture has long been an influence on global fashion. On the catwalk, tribal influences are frequently showcased in the collections of couture houses such as Balenciaga and Dior.

Presented by Capital Culture Gallery in collaboration with The Africa Centre in London, Friday 24th May till Sunday 9th June shall host a photographic journey through the eyes of John Kenny.

This exhibition of striking monochrome and colour portraits reveals the vibrant jewellery, delicate body art, beautiful fabrics and intricate hairstyles adorned by traditional ethnic groups all across Africa.

Since 2006 John has observed some of the remotest communities of Sub-Saharan Africa. Having spent seven years of his life to create this powerful collection of photographs, John has travelled through a myriad of African countries in East, West and Southern Africa.  

“The exhibition illustrates the remarkable ways that people in traditional communities engage with material culture to express their identity: from the fringes of the Sahara to the Great Rift Valley, and south to the arid communities of Angola and Namibia, Kenny’s photographs are an important journey into social status, creativity and sense of identity that lies behind the powerful and unique aesthetic of traditional village life.”

In addition to this magnificent display, John will be holding two separate talks with Q and A sessions:

1st June 2pm-3pm: African Beauty: Seven Amazing Stories Behind the Images

8th June 7-8.30pm: What Makes Visual Expression so Spectacular in Africa?

Entry to the exhibition is free of charge but there is a £6 charge for adults for the discussions. Children under the age of 16 enter free of charge. All proceeds are thereafter donated to the charity Survival International.  

In September this year, John shall release his book entitled Facing Africa / L’Afrique en Face, in dual English and French. This artist has put his heart and soul into every photograph he has ever shot. Do not miss this occasion to discover and re-live John’s experiences and love for the African continent.

The venue for this exhibition is:

The Africa Centre 38 King Street
Covent Garden
London
WC2E 8JT

To see John Kenny’s full portfolio and know more about the man, click here.

Pooja Sahny
Photos: Courtesy of The Africa Centre