James Barnor

James Barnor is a Ghanaian photographer who has been a pivotal figure in the history of photography for six decades, documenting societies in transition from Ghana's independence to London's swinging sixties. His photographs have been described as slices of history, documenting race and modernity in the post-colonial world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2023
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

With a career spanning six decades and two continents, ranging from street photography to studio work and fashion photography to documentary, Ghanaian photographer James Barnor (b. 1929) has now established himself as a key figure in the history of photography. Throughout his life, Barnor moved between Accra and London, and his photographic portraits vividly capture the changing societies he encountered. From Ghana's independence from Britain to the swinging sixties in London, Barnor's images document the transformative moments of his lifetime. He has expressed his gratitude for being alive during these pivotal times, noting, "I was lucky to be alive when things were happening ... when Ghana was going to be independent and Ghana became independent, and when I came to England, the Beatles were around. Things were happening in the sixties, so I call myself Lucky Jim."

Barnor's photographs have been praised for their ability to capture slices of history, shedding light on the complex interplay between race and modernity in the post-colonial world. Over the past fifteen years, he has been the subject of numerous significant retrospectives, further showcasing his diverse and influential body of work.

This concise survey in the Photofile series provides an excellent overview of James Barnor's multifaceted career. It highlights his ability to capture the essence of his subjects and his contribution to the world of photography. Whether through his street photography, studio work, or documentary projects, Barnor's images continue to resonate with viewers, offering a glimpse into the past and a reflection on the present.

Weight: 250g
Dimension: 190 x 125 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500297872