Akintunde Akinleye, currently artist-in-residence at the Thami Mnyele Foundation has been interviewd by Afrika Niews.

Please read the article at:http://www.afrikanieuws.nl/site/Vijf_vragen_aan_Akintunde_Akinleye/list_messages/34915

http://www.afrikanieuws.nl/site/Vijf_vragen_aan_Akintunde_Akinleye/list_messages/34915

Inmiddels wereldberoemd fotograaf Akintunde Akinleye is te gast bij de Thami Mnyele Foundation in Amsterdam. De stichting organiseert artists-in-residence programma's van drie maanden voor artiesten uit Afrika. Afrikanieuws.nl stelde vijf vragen aan de kunstenaar.

Can you tell something about yourself? How did you become a photographer?
I started learning the basics in photography at age 12, some in 1982 as an apprentice in a local photo shop. But I did not start fully as a professional until after my university degree programmes about 10 yeras ago.

How easy is it for you, as an African, to make pictures of every-day-life in Africa?
It is very difficult... There are cultural issues attached to taking a picture of an average African! There are political issues also. Policemen would always say you work as a spy for foreign agencies, at most time photojournalists are harrased for daring taking pictures on the streets especially in Lagos with a population of about 15 million people!

What are your favorite subjects to make pictures of?
The generic people on the street, the under-privileged... They are the core subjects of my photo-art.

Did the publication of your photos in the New York Times boost your carreer as a photographer?
Think so! People are still refering to it, but more importantly the World Press Photo Award.

What happened after? Of course, the WPPH Awards and the National Geographic recognition!

You are artist-in-residence of the Thami Mnyele Foundation. What does that mean exactly?
For me it means time to reflect and take account of how far I had gone. It is also a time to meet other artists who are doing great.

Akintunde Akinley was selected by Anne Demeester, director De Appel, Fons Welters, gallery Fons Welters and Jelle Bouwhuis, director SMBA Stedelijk Museum Bureau Amsterdam.