John Kenny (1975 - )

Kenny met this young Fula shepherd as he was dragging three uncooperative goats towards a dusty livestock market in a remote part of Niger.  As a Fula nomad this young boy would spend most of his time in the bush with the family’s animals; they would follow the grazing opportunities and time their movements to take advantage of the seasonal rainfall patterns in Niger’s Sahel. When the animals were large enough, the boy would take them to the market to sell or trade. The markets of this part of Niger’s Sahel are vibrant affairs with hundreds of Tuareg, Fula and Wodaabe, travelling long distances to attend.

Kenny uses local village huts as primitive makeshift studios.  His light is simply that of the sun reflected off the parched soil.  This diffuse illumination allows him to capture a remarkable level of detail. His subjects calm demeanour belies the reality of harsh arid winds, extreme temperatures and dust.

John Kenny’s black and white photographic portraits are taken on location in some of the remotest corners of Africa and India and reveal the pride and strength inherent in traditional ways of life.

C-type print with acrylic face mount.  Ready to hang.

67cm. height x 45cm. width.