The Eiger Foundation is thrilled to announce the top 20 entries for the prestigious African Photobook of the Year Awards 2024. Established in September 2021, this award celebrates the significant contribution of African photobooks to the evolving narrative of photography, across all genres and topics, with an emphasis on the originality, artistic merit, and cultural significance of the work.
Each finalist has been selected for their unique perspective and artistic vision, offering a profound exploration of African life, culture, and landscapes. Below are the remarkable works and their creators featured in this year’s top 20:
- “Vodun Days” by Achraf Aboubakar (Benin)
Summary: An evocative series delving into the world of vodun, capturing the rich rituals, deities, and traditions of this ancient spiritual practice. - “L’histoire de demain” by Adama Sylla (Senegal)
Summary: Offers a fresh perspective on modern Senegalese life, challenging exoticized narratives and echoing the legacy of influential African photographers. - “Quatre yeux” by Adrien Bitibaly (Burkina Faso)
Summary: A compelling exploration of witchcraft accusations, focusing on traditional priests and their role within these practices. - “Carnet de voyage – Mauritanie” by Aïssata Lam (Mauritania)
Summary: A personal photographic journey through Mauritania during the COVID-19 pandemic, documenting cultural diversity and personal experiences. - “Unfinished War: A Journey Through Civil War in Yemen” by Asmaa Waguih Eltobi (Egypt)
Summary: Chronicles the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen, documenting the devastating impact of conflict on its people. - “Timanga” by Carlos Manhique (Mozambique)
Summary: A visual narrative capturing the essence of Mozambique’s cultural and social dynamics through striking imagery. - “Triangles of Views” by Fethi Sahraoui (Algeria)
Summary: A dual photographic project focusing on Algerian football culture and the seasonal experiences of its people. - “Citizen” by Jonathan Wood (South Africa)
Summary: An intimate portrayal of Johannesburg, reflecting on the city’s evolving urban landscape and the stories of its inhabitants. - “Nasser Road. Political Posters from Uganda” by Kristof Titeca, Katumba Badru Sultan, Zahara Abdul (Belgium/Uganda)
Summary: Showcases the vibrant and politically charged posters found on Uganda’s Nasser Road, turning political figures into superhero icons. - “Shabun” by Kwasi Darko (Ghana)
Summary: Focuses on the contemporary experiences of Ghanaian men, exploring themes of masculinity, cultural rites, and generational trauma. - “The Uncanny” by Léonard Pongo Pongo (Belgium/Republic of Congo)
Summary: An abstract and dreamlike exploration of the Democratic Republic of Congo, capturing a personal and emotional journey. - “Menschen am Port de Peche” by Mario Marino (Germany/Mauritania)
Summary: Documents the lives of Mauritanian fishermen, highlighting the challenges they face due to overfishing and changing socio-economic conditions. - “Blur” by Mehdi Ait El Mallali (Morocco)
Summary: A visually striking series that explores the theme of blur to reflect on the complexities and transitions in contemporary Moroccan life. - “True Tales Africa” by Klaus Mellenthin (Germany)
Summary: A documentary compilation spanning two decades, offering a rich narrative of African life through intimate and grand photographs. - “Happysadland” by Obie Oberholzer (South Africa)
Summary: Captures the diverse experiences of Southern Africa, blending humor, adventure, and melancholy in a vivid photographic exploration. - “POEMS TAKE US HOME Vol. 1” by Oliver Vedast Kwizera (Kenya)
Summary: A collection of poetic graffiti captured on matatus in Mombasa, showcasing a unique dialogue formed through artistic expressions on public transport. - “Hello Agbodrafo” by Parmenas Awudza (Togo)
Summary: Highlights the cultural heritage and community spirit of Agbodrafo, showing the beauty and traditions of the village. - “Poetry of Silence I” by Roland Blum (Liechtenstein/Namibia)
Summary: Aerial photographs of Namibia’s Namib Desert, capturing its timeless beauty and the interplay of light and shadow. - “Isivumelwano” by Sabelo Mlangeni (South Africa)
Summary: An exploration of South African marriage ceremonies, celebrating love and cultural diversity while critiquing societal norms. - “Dust: Egypt’s Forgotten Architecture, Revised and Expanded Edition” by Xenia Nikolskaya (Egypt)
Summary: An updated exploration of Egypt’s neglected historical architecture, capturing the grandeur and decay of its past.
Key Dates
- Shortlist Announcement (top 4): September 9, 2024
- Winner Announcement: October 2024
Prizes
- Grand Prize: $12,500 to the winning photographer(s)/artist(s)
- Runner-Up Prizes: $2,500 each to three shortlisted entries
Follow the Inside Out Centre for the Arts instagram page in the month of August for daily posts of the top 20 finalists.
For press inquiries, please contact: [email protected]