Memory in a Digital Age: MANJU Journal
In collaboration with the fine art photographer Yannis Davy Guibinga, image-maker MANJU Journal pays homage to post-colonial archival West African photography and traditional dress in order to express how cultural practices in Africa are remembered and passed on from one generation to the next.
In collaboration with the fine art photographer Yannis Davy Guibinga, image-maker MANJU Journal pays homage to post-colonial archival West African photography and traditional dress in order to express how cultural practices in Africa are remembered and passed on from one generation to the next.
- How would you describe what you do?
MANJU Journal: Richmond Orlando Mensah is my name. In the last five years, my interest in photography has focused on the exploration of contemporary day Africa through topics relating to politics, fashion, beauty, gender and society.
Yannis Davy Guibinga: Fine art photographer.
What's your background?
MJ: I graduated from the University of Ghana, Legon in 2018 pursuing a degree in Bachelor of Fine Arts, French & Linguistics.
YDG: From Gabon.
- What inspires you?
MJ: Everyday life, music and creativity.
YDG: Cultures and mythologies across the African continent.
What is the ambition behind your practice?
MJ: As a creative director based in Ghana, it is so important for me to add up/ contribute to the new cohort of industry experts celebrating the creativity coming out of Africa and using my voice to tell unique and essential stories in our region. The goal is to change stereotypes and perceptions about the continent.
YDG: Exploring the diversity of identities and cultures on the African continent and its diaspora.
What did you hope to convey with your Bodies Of Knowledge film?
MJ: It's been an exciting journey working with Gambian photographer Yannis Davy for this SHOWstudio project. The goal was to pay homage to the African archive in order to express how cultural practices in Africa are remembered and passed on from one generation to the next.
YDG: Paying homage to the African archive through photography and fashion.
