Jonathan Roberts, whose cultural background intertwines English and Venezuelan roots, embarks on his debut exhibition at Obsolete Ibiza, entitled "Bobo Photo 1970-1985
https://www.lofficielibiza.com/ibiza/obsolete-ibiza-sanle-sory-photography-exhibition
This remarkable showcase is a homage to the legendary Burkinabé photographer Sanlé Sory and is presented in collaboration with David Hill Gallery, London. The exhibition not only captures the essence of Sory’s artistic brilliance but also immerses visitors in a rich experience where art, music, and cultural legacy harmoniously blend. Sanlé Sory began his photographic journey in the 1960s, a time marked by profound political and cultural shifts in Burkina Faso. His evocative images echo the golden age of West African music, youth culture, and social transformation, as the country emerged from its colonial past, formerly known as Upper Volta. Sory’s keen eye captured fleeting moments of joy, fashion, and self-expression, creating portraits that became synonymous with the vibrant optimism of the post-colonial era. His studio in Bobo-Dioulasso offered everyday individuals a stage to transform into stars, even if only for the brief moment they stood before his camera.
"Bobo Photo 1970-1985" transports viewers to a dynamic era when music and fashion served as potent symbols of identity. Through Sory’s lens, we witness not only Burkina Faso’s cultural evolution but also the larger spirit of creativity and independence that rippled across the African continent. Sory immortalized the dreams and aspirations of a generation, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural fabric of his nation.
What elevates this exhibition is its multidimensional approach to storytelling. It is not simply a collection of photographs displayed on gallery walls; it is an immersive experience that marries the visual beauty of Sory’s work with the timeless melodies of classic West African music. Jonathan Roberts seeks to craft a narrative that intertwines art, history, and sound: "By merging the visual allure of photography with the soulful echoes of classic records, I want to create an immersive experience that resonates with both hearts and minds," he explains.
At the heart of this event is French journalist and African music connoisseur Florent Mazzoleni, who will deliver an interactive talk during the exhibition’s opening. Mazzoleni, renowned for his deep knowledge of African vinyl records, will share his personal journey of discovering the music that complements Sory’s evocative imagery. It was through his search for rare West African vinyl that Mazzoleni uncovered Sory’s extraordinary archive, cementing the connection between these two art forms—music and photography—as complementary threads in the greater tapestry of cultural heritage.
The fusion of music and photography in this era reflects the intersection of sound and sight, as exemplified by the rise of Bobo Yéyé, a genre that blended traditional African rhythms with Western influences. Mazzoleni’s insights into the significance of these records will enrich the exhibition, helping attendees grasp the symbiotic relationship between the music and imagery that defined 1960s and 1970s West Africa.
Bobo Photo 1970-1985, presented by Obsolete Ibiza in collaboration with David Hill Gallery, London, will be held at the Obsolete store in San Juan from October to December, with an exclusive preview on October 2nd.
09.30.2024 by Sonia Cardinal and Maya Boyd for Lofficiel Ibiza.