Arles Photo Festival Spotlights African Independence Eras

The 57th edition of the Rencontres de la photographie d'Arles, titled "Des mondes à relire," places a strong focus on Africa with four exhibitions exploring post-independence narratives. "Ghana ! Rêver l’indépendance 1957-1976," curated by Damarice Amao, examines Ghana's early independence years. "Paysage prisme : Une traversée katangaise," featuring photographer Sammy Baloji, interrogates colonial legacies in the Katanga region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. "Paul Kodjo. Photoromance," curated by Amandine Nana, captures 1970s Abidjan life through the lens of Ivorian photographer Paul Kodjo. "Un roman algérien" by Katia Kameli presents a photographic narrative on Algeria. The festival runs from July 13, 2026, in Arles, France, and includes a playlist of African independence-era music by Jean Bosco Mwenda, Lord Kitchener, and E T Mensah.