On August 19, 2021, Cameroon celebrated the International Day of Photography with an exhibition titled "Regard sur le Cameroun" (A Look at Cameroon) in Yaoundé. The event, organized by the Ministry of Arts and Culture's photography department, featured 30 photographs taken by 15 local photographers. The exhibition showcased the country's diverse aspects, from traditional dance to everyday life and the fight against Boko Haram.
The photographs on display captured various aspects of Cameroonian society, including the "Kamchi" initiation dance from Baleng in the Mifi region and the unity of farmers in Tourou against Boko Haram in the Far North. The images also highlighted the daily lives of "bayam-sellam" (mango vendors) and drivers working in high-risk areas. The exhibition aimed to promote a contemporary vision of Cameroonian society, bridging the past, present, and future.
Fabrice Ngon, coordinator of the Ministry of Arts and Culture's photography department, emphasized the importance of preserving Cameroonian values in a rapidly modernizing society. He noted that the exhibition encouraged reflection on environmental, social, political, cultural, and economic transformations in the country. The event was held under the joint patronage of the Ministries of Communication, Arts, and Culture.
The International Day of Photography celebration also included a conference on "Digital Photography and Archiving Challenges." Led by Hervé Tapouh, an Esstic teacher, the conference focused on the need for a robust archiving system to store and safeguard photographic data. The discussion also explored the impact of new information and communication technologies on press photography practices.
The "Regard sur le Cameroun" exhibition was part of a broader effort to promote Cameroonian photography and provide a platform for local photographers to showcase their work. The event demonstrated the significance of photography in documenting and preserving the country's cultural heritage and contemporary life.
The celebration of the International Day of Photography in Cameroon highlighted the growing importance of photography in the country. The exhibition and conference provided opportunities for photographers, artists, and cultural enthusiasts to engage with each other and discuss the role of photography in shaping the nation's identity.
The Ministry of Arts and Culture's photography department plans to continue promoting Cameroonian photography through events and exhibitions. The "Regard sur le Cameroun" exhibition has inspired a new generation of photographers to explore and document the country's diverse cultural and social landscape.
Key points
- The "Regard sur le Cameroun" exhibition showcased 30 photographs taken by 15 local photographers, highlighting Cameroon's diverse facets.
- The event included a conference on "Digital Photography and Archiving Challenges," emphasizing the need for a robust archiving system.
- The celebration promoted Cameroonian photography and provided a platform for local photographers to showcase their work.
