FOMU EN

FOMU brings a rich and in-depth overview of the work of British-Ghanaian photographer James Barnor. His career as a studio portraitist, photojournalist and Black lifestyle photographer spans six decades, capturing important social and political changes in London and Accra (Ghana).

Born in Ghana in 1929, James Barnor established his famous ‘Ever Young’ studio in Accra in the early 1950s, where he captured a nation on the threshold of independence. In 1959, he moved to London, where he continued his studies and took commissions for the influential South African magazine Drum. This magazine captures the zeitgeist and experiences of the burgeoning African diaspora in London. In 1969, Barnor attends a workshop at Agfa-Gevaert in Mortsel where he is introduced to the technical aspects of colour photography. He returned to Ghana in early 1970 to set up the country’s first colour laboratory, while continuing his work as a portrait photographer.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

• Students discover the stories behind James Barnor’s photographs
• The guide encourages students to look at the photos consciously and in depth
• The guide activates the pupils through stimulating questions to connect the photos with their world today
• The students are given creative assignments to actively engage with photography themselves

Key competences: historical awareness, citizenship, digital competences, cultural awareness, social and relational competences

Relevant subjects: fine arts, citizenship, photography – video – film, behavioural & cultural sciences, history, philosophy of life, media & communication – social skills, philosophy & moral sciences, PAV, English

Topics include: Photography, imaging, representation, identity, portrait photography, studio photography, fashion, fashion photography, pioneers, colour photography, Agfa-Gevaert, Ghana, decolonisation, independence, (Ghanaian) diaspora.