If you are looking for some amazing photography and film that celebrate Black life and culture, you need to check out the work of Carlos Idun-Tawiah. He is a Ghanaian photographer and filmmaker who has been making waves in the international scene with his captivating portraits of Black life. He was born in Accra, Ghana, in 1997 and fell in love with photography and storytelling at a young age. He was inspired by the rich photographic archives of Africa and wanted to show the dynamic landscapes of Black life in a new light.
He focuses on themes such as language, community, love, and hope in his photographic stories. He is passionate about showcasing the beauty and depth of Black culture and telling fictionalized stories with clarity and grace.
He has worked with many prestigious publications and clients around the world, such as Vogue, CNN, The Guardian, Financial Times, Pitchfork, GQ South Africa, Architectural Digest Italia, Le Monde France, Notion, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Essence, InStyle, Mercedes Benz, Twitter, Instagram, Sony Music, and Penguin Books. His work has also been featured in renowned exhibitions and fairs, such as Aperture, Art Basel, Phillips Auction, Les Rencontres d’Arles, Belfast Photo, CONTACT Photo, and Art Basel Miami. He has received many awards for his work, such as the Contemporary African Photography Prize, British Journal of Photography OpenWalls Arles Prize, Belfast Photo Festival Spotlight Award, and Palm Photo Prize People’s Choice.
Carlos is not only a talented photographer, but also a visionary filmmaker. He has made powerful short films and documentaries, such as “The Crown We Never Take Off,” which explores the cultural significance of Black women’s hair, and “Feels Like Home,” which looks into the lives of African immigrants in Toronto. His films have been shown at famous festivals and platforms, such as the Toronto International Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, and Netflix.
Carlos is a strong advocate for the Black community and uses his work to celebrate the diversity, beauty, and resilience of Black life. He challenges stereotypes and inspires hope with his work. He says that Black life and beauty are the main themes of his work and that he sees his work as a service to humanity. He wants to inspire hope and healing in a world that often ignores or oppresses Black people. He says that his parents influenced his passion, especially his late father’s polaroid camera and his mother’s love for making family albums.
Carlos recently revisited his family album for his project “Sunday Special,” which captures surreal moments of Sundays in church. He says that he felt a deep emotional connection to his past and that the project was a joyful and poignant journey. He created biopics that honor the influential figures from his childhood.
Carlos also made a project called “Boys Will Always Be Boys,” which shows the softer and more playful side of boyhood. He says that he wanted to challenge the conventional narratives of masculinity and show the moments of joy, affection, and belonging among boys. He says that he wants people to see each other as family before anything else.
Carlos Idun-Tawiah’s work is a celebration of the diversity and vitality of Black life. He is committed to showing and reimagining the ever-changing landscapes of his homeland. His photographs have warm colors, careful lighting, and a mix of candid and staged moments.
If you want to see more of his photography and film, you can visit his website or follow him on Instagram. He is definitely a rising star in the realms of photography and film and a vocal advocate for the Black community. His work serves as a testament to the diversity, beauty, and resilience of Black life, challenging stereotypes and inspiring hope.
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