Celebrating James Barnor: Ghanaian-British Photographer’s 95th Birthday Festival
This summer, a series of events will celebrate the life and work of James Barnor, a pioneering Ghanaian-British photographer. The James Barnor 95 Festival, marking his 95th birthday, will launch at the end of May in Ghana. The festival was organized by gallerist Clémentine de la Féronnière after a conversation with Barnor, who expressed his desire to spend his special day in his homeland.
Born in Accra in 1929, Barnor has captured significant social, cultural, and political developments in Ghana and England for over six decades. He was Ghana’s first photojournalist, documenting the country’s transition to independence from the UK in 1957. Barnor’s work also highlights multiculturalism, the Swinging Sixties cultural revolution, and the African diaspora. He is recognized for setting up Ghana’s first color processing laboratory in the 1970s.
Throughout the years, Barnor’s work has been exhibited at prestigious institutions like the Serpentine Galleries and Victoria and Albert Museum in London. This year’s festival will feature exhibitions at various locations in Accra and Tamale, showcasing his work and legacy. The festival will include exhibitions, panel discussions, music and dance performances, workshops, and a new publication of Barnor’s work.
De la Féronnière anticipates Barnor’s reaction to Ghana’s contemporary art scene during the festival. She believes the event will offer Ghanaians an opportunity to appreciate Barnor’s extensive body of work, which serves as a crucial record of Ghana’s history. The festival aims to make Barnor’s work more accessible to the public, with unique events such as an exhibition on an airplane traveling from Accra to Tamale, stopping in six regions along the way.
Overall, the festival aims to democratize Barnor’s work and honor his commitment to sharing his art and supporting others throughout his career.
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Leonie Schultz completed her studies in Digital Media and Design at the Berlin University of the Arts. She focuses on digital installations and interactive art, often incorporating elements of sound and light to create immersive experiences. Leonie has been involved in several digital art festivals and is known for her innovative approach to storytelling through technology.