Namsa Leuba Guinean Photographer
Namsa Leuba is a Swiss and Guinean visual artist noted for her colorful marination of African supernatural folktales and unique interpretations of the human body. Her bold work in exhibiting traditional Guinean ceremonies such as exorcism; which had contortionists, acrobats were met with hostility and accusations of blasphemy. Leuba collaborated with many talents including graphic designer Hugo Hoppmann further expanding the variety of works she has accomplished.
“My photography looks at the representation of African identity through the Western imagination. I work across the documentary, fashion and performance genres, creating visual imagery that explores the signs and symbols of African cultural heritage; from rituals and ceremonies to statuettes and masquerades.”
“I take a theatrical approach to my work, with careful attention to props, colours and gestures. I like to question the relationship between fact and fiction, action and representation, and the sacred and the profane.”
“I have a natural love of Africa, since there lie my roots: I am half Guinean and still have family there, whom I visit whenever I can.”
“I’ve had to believe in what I’m doing and work on my dual identities which are in a permanent struggle. I try to reconcile my identities through a form of cultural syncretism, which questions the ambiguity of ethnocentrism.”
