James Barnor: Accra/London – A Retrospective

MASI Lugano presents the largest retrospective ever devoted to the photographer James Barnor (Accra, Ghana, 1929, lives and works in London). Throughout his lengthy career, spanning six decades and two continents, Barnor has been an extraordinary visual witness to the social and political changes of his time—from the independence of Ghana to the African diaspora and the lives of London's African community. Easily navigating different places, cultures and genres—from photojournalism to social documentary, studio portraiture and fashion and lifestyle work—the British-Ghanaian photographer has always stood out for his resolutely modern outlook and pioneering approach. Although he has influenced generations of photographers in Africa and the rest of the world, his work has only recently been rediscovered and celebrated.

James Barnor: Accra/London—A Retrospective presents a selection of over 200 works from Barnor's vast personal archive, including numerous previously unpublished images. In addition to vintage photographs, reprints and original documents, the show also presents magazine covers and record sleeves, and focuses in particular on the decades 1950-1980. It unfolds in the historic rooms of the Palazzo Reali as a chronological journey through the key periods in Barnor's life and work—from the early days in Accra, with his "Ever Young" studio, to his years in London; from his first colour photographs to his collaboration with the anti-apartheid magazine Drum and his passion for music and the performing arts.

The exhibition also includes a video by Campbell Addy of Barnor introducing his work, and another in which he explains his photographic technique. This major survey exhibition opens MASI Lugano’s 2022 exhibition programme with a confirmation of its ongoing attention to contemporary and historical photography, cultivated in Lugano for almost half a century.

After being presented at the Serpentine Galleries in London (May 19–October 24, 2021), and MASI Lugano, the show will travel to the Detroit Institute of Arts (spring 2023), with the aim of raising the profile of a photographer whose work has had a major artistic and social impact.

Presented in collaboration with Serpentine, London. James Barnor: Accra/London—A Retrospective is initiated and organised by Serpentine, London. Curated by Lizzie Carey-Thomas, Chief Curator, Serpentine and Awa Konaté: Culture Art Society (CAS), Assistant Curator.

Organised in collaboration with Clémentine de la Féronnière, Isabella Seniuta and Sophie Culière, James Barnor Archives.

For accreditation for the press conference, contact comunicazione@masilugano.ch. 

Tickets to the exhibition opening can be reserved here.