The protection of the environment is a major issue that is more and more in the spotlight. African artists and those of the diaspora, are neither silent, nor insensitive to this problem. Indeed, there is no count of the number of exhibitions and works aimed at raising awareness and mobilization. Some artists are not limited to the creation of their productions. They have a more diversified commitment.

On the occasion of a month of September {Ed. see NB below} which puts the environment in the limelight, we present you some of them.

Kwame Aidoo A.K.A. Kwame Write

It is a multi-artist, thirty-year-old, of Ghanaian origin. He performs everywhere by exhibiting his works, participating in militant actions or staying in artist residencies. Kwame’s recent exhibition in Berlin, accompanied by poems, was a surprising link between environmental issues and popular beliefs: one way to highlight the feeling of helplessness of the African populations, in the face of little protection of the environment.

Kwame is also a photographer. He does not hesitate to put pictures on the drama that is played in Agbogbloshie. It is an area of ​​Accra hosting the largest open air electronic discharge of Africa. People live there, eat there, work there.

Apart from that, we also saw Kwame shine in the clip “Protruded plastics” from his album Bloodlines. It is the voice of civil societies. These support somehow the pollution of water, soil, air and plastic waste galore.

Mário Macilau, a photographer committed to the protection of the environment

Born in Mozambique in 1984, in a modest family, Mário began his career as a photographer with the camera of a simp mobile phone. Since then, he has come a long way. His photos have been exhibited in New York, Portugal and several African cities.

The photographer describes himself as being engaged for and in societal causes. Mário’s whole approach is to make people aware of the environmental, political and social challenges that surround us. He also wants to show the reality of today’s societies. Finally, his job is also to provide tools for emancipation and fulfillment.

For all these reasons, in addition to his immense talent, the works of Mário Macilau deserve to be seen.

The protection of the environment is a real social problem in Mozambique. The country enjoys economic growth of 7%. It is accompanied by a large consumption of electronic products, which are then found in the Hulene landfill near Maputo. As in Ghana, men, women and children live and work there. For months, Mário shared the lives of these marginalized people. His photo series was presented at the 2016 Greenpeace Photo Award.

Mário Macilau is also the initiator of the International Maputo Foto Festival (Mafoto).

Waste as raw material

Saïdou Dicko is a visual artist whose work surprises and challenges. Originally from Burkina Faso, the artist stages people in the middle of rubbish dumps. The assembly of the different elements and plans gives a breathtaking effect. We are as shocked by the amount of waste as the strange beauty that emerges from the scenes. A shrewd eye will see an incentive to up-cycling. From 29 September to 11 November 2018, the works of Saïdou will be exhibited at ARTCO Galerie in Aachen.

You can also visit his Instagram account (@saidou_dicko)!

Quand la communauté se mobilise pour la protection de l’environnement

Ocean Sole is an up-cycling artistic community based in Kenya .By using sandals and other used, plastic items left in the environment, Ocean Sole members create works of art. These are varied and colorful. This organization also contributes to professional integration and education at the local level.

 

Finally, social networks are also widely used as witnesses to waste management problems. So Fatoumata Cherif, launched # SelfieDechets. This sensitization and action initiative, against insalubrity in Guinea, has also made itself known beyond the country’s borders.

NB: Some key dates

• World Day for Climate Protection (September 8th)
• September 16: World Day for the Protection of the Ozone Layer
• International Biodiversity Day (21 September)
• September 30th: World Day of the Sea

 

 

An article of Christelle Kamanan, translated from French to English by Gova-Media.