Street Photography Africa

Energetic, colorful, experimental—street photography across Africa has a well-established and complex history, and its own unique dynamic. From classic compositions of architecture, people, and movement, to street-style portraits and photographs of youth culture, music, and dance—the street becomes a stage. It’s about identity, personality, and storytelling: friends skateboarding, a chance encounter, the hustle and bustle of megacities.

The streets have long been a home to innovation, fashion, and desire, where boundaries between private portrayal, public encounter, and fashion shoots are often blurred: artist and filmmaker Salaheddine El Bouaaichi photographs young people on the streets and creates covers for the rap scene. Delali Ayivi is commissioned to make work for fashion magazines including Vogue and Dazed. Siaka Soppo Traoré organizes hip-hop performers to showcase breakdancing in markets.

Coauthored by curators Nadine Barth and Azu Nwagbogu, Street Photography Africa presents the work of over thirty photographers in thematic chapters. It offers an overview of contemporary street photography—how it mixes with street style and youth culture in urban cities today—as well as the photo fairs, festivals, and communities underpinning this dynamic scene.