All is now set for ‘White ebony’, an exhibition of photographs by Yetunde Ayeni-Babaeko, starting in Lagos on Saturday, May 25.
The exhibition powered by SMO Contemporary Arts will hold at the Temple Muse, Victoria Island.
According to the SMO, ‘White Ebony’ the photographs by the social activist photographer capture the complexity of life that Persons with Albinism (PWA) face daily. White Ebony is sponsored by Hogan Lovells and advocates for recognition and protection of persons with albinism in commemoration of World Albinism Day, which comes up in June.
“Ayeni-Babaeko challenges preconceived notions on albinism with powerful images which reflect a Renaissance beauty through sensitive lighting, composition, and layered stylistic interpretations. White Ebony takes the viewer on an emotional journey that is filled with nuance as well as controversial in its stark positioning and challenging suggestions. Each work reflects both internal struggles while working through layers of identity and self-actualization.
“Her inspiration comes from a year and a half working closely with members of The Albino Foundation, interpreting their reality through this powerful new body of work. As in her previous exhibitions touching on issues such as surviving breast cancer and celebrating dance, Ayeni-Babaeko’s commitment to social change is manifest in her focused interaction with members of marginalized communities. A portion of the sales income will support people living with albinism and raise awareness,” the group said in a statement.
Yetunde Ayeni-Babaeko was born in Enugu, eastern Nigeria in 1978 to a Nigerian father and a German mother. She graduated in photography from Macromedia, a school for art and design in Osnabrueck, Germany. After working for a number of companies in Germany and Nigeria in advertising photography, she opened her own company, Camara Studios in 2007. Besides her fashion and documentary photography, Ayeni-Babaeko has facilitated numerous workshops in partnership with the Goethe Institute, mentoring young female photographers.
Ayeni-Babaeko has published work in Germany, has had three solo exhibitions and taken part in numerous group shows in Nigeria including The Collectors Series, Eko Moves and Wanderlust curated by SMO Contemporary Art.
