I'm a lover of all things art and I can't seem to get enough of photography. If you ask me which photographers I admire I'll give you the list. I'll tell you that no one beats Richard Avedon then I'll talk a bit about Peter Lippman, I'll tell you a thing or two about famed fashion photographer, Annie Leibovitz. I could go on and on.
The other day however, I realized that as much as I claim a love for photography I couldn't tell you an African photographer. That had to change “asap” so I did some research and stumbled upon Jim Chuchu a self-taught Kenyan designer, illustrator and photographer. He has displayed his work in exhibits through Kenya and New York.
I was particularly impressed with his "Market Days" shot where he captures traders at Gikomba Market in Kenya. Call me an old school thinker but when it comes to, photography and Africa I imagine solemn images captured by the Western eye. Despite the color, depth and texture there still seems to be a form of somber. Chuchu on the other hand captures the market place lightheartedly with color. There is an honest and sincere joy expressed in each photo:
