Phyllis Galembo - Maske

Phyllis Galembo is a photographer you should know about, especially if you have a fetish for headwear, photography and dressing up (oh, is that me?!). She therefore ticks my boxes!

Her book Maske takes a fascinating look at the practice of masking in the cultures of the African sub-continent - it's not just those of us who trowel the slap on a Saturday night who do this, masks and costumes have been used in every human culture since the beginning of time, just nowadays it tends to be done more for entertainment than for cultural reasons. This book takes a peek at some of the most colourful practices from seven African countries; Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Haiti, Ghana, Benin, Nigeria and Zambia. Each picture tells you the village it was shot in and more importantly the masquerade it represents. I am in love! I know this happens a lot, maybe even daily, but its hard not have room in your heart for this.
There are too many truely great pictures to add here - here are some of my faves, but I think it's in your interests to check this shizzle out for yourself. Inspiring stuff.

Phyllis Galembo, Atam Masquerader, Alok Village, Nigeria, 2004, Ilfochrome, 30 x 30 inches

Phyllis Galembo, Creek Town Youth Group Ekpo Masquerade, Calabar, Nigeria, 2005, Ilfochrome, 30 x 30 inches



Phyllis Galembo, Panther Masquerade, Samaga Village, Burkina Faso, 2006, Ilfochrome, 30 x 30 inches

 

Phyllis Galembo, Gama Masquerade, Fada Village, Burkina Faso, 2006, Ilfochrome, 30 x 30 inches



Phyllis Galembo, Ekpe, Calabar South, Nigeria, 2005, Ilfochrome, 30 x 30 inches

Phyllis Galembo, Koko Ekpo, Calabar South, Nigeria, 2005, Ilfochrome, 30 x 30 inches