Samuel Fosso

(Paperback)

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A mini-monograph on Samuel Fosso, the renowned Cameroon-born Nigerian photographer. Samuel Fosso (b. 1962) is one of Central Africa's leading contemporary artists, whose playful and perceptive work investigates Pan-African identity and history through the use of portraiture. Fosso's path to artistry was found through his initial work as a commercial portrait photographer, utilising his leftover film by capturing self-portraits against well-considered backdrops and incorporating pose, costume and props. Renowned for his 'autoportraits' - styling himself and others as characters from popular culture or politics - Samuel Fosso reflects the world around him through a distinct aesthetic that has at times defied Nigerian dictatorial decree. Fosso's work is now held in the public collections of the Museum of Modern Art and the Tate, and he was the recipient of the Prince Claus Award of The Netherlands, in 2001.

Reviews

'Collectively, the photographs exhibit Fossos ability to innovate while remaining true to the distinctive self-portraiture that underscores his work' - British Journal of Photography

Author Bio

Christine Barthe is director of the heritage unit of the photographic collections of the Muse du Quai Branly, Paris. Samuel Fosso is one of Central Africa's leading contemporary photographers.