James Barnor

Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, France

Acquired from the above by the present owner

I. Lizzie Carey-Thomas, Joseph Constable (eds.), James Barnor: Accra/London - A Retrospective, London, 2021, illustrated on front cover

II. Damarice Amao (ed.), James Barnor: The Roadmaker, Paris, 2021, illustrated on front cover

James Barnor is a Ghanaian-born photographer based in London. He established his first studio, Studio Ever Young, in Accra. While many of his photos from the 1950s showcase Ghanaian women with hairstyles influenced by that era, this particular image stands out. It features the subject from behind, highlighting a detailed hairdo that reflects traditional styles rather than mimicking Western trends. “James career spans a remarkable period in history, bridging continents and photographic genres, and creating a compelling collection of transatlantic visual narratives, driven by his deep interest in people and cultures” - Renée Mussai, Autograph gallery, London, June 2020.

The current images are regarded as some of James Barnor's most sought-after and rare works. An edition of each image, identical in size, is part of the collection at MoMA in New York City. Additionally, another edition of Image (I), of the same size, is housed in the Detroit Institute of Arts collection.