Agadez, Niger, 1963 Chromogenic print; printed 2022 Image size: 13 1/2 x 19 7/8 inches Paper size: 22 5/8 x 16 1/8 inches

Written by Nikkala Kovacevic

Photo Edited by Tania Flores

Copy Edited by Erin Pedigo

William Klein Afrique Exhibition Review Written by Nikkala Kovacevic The Howard Greenberg gallery is now displaying a series of photographs taken by renowned photographer and filmmaker William Klein. Each photo in the collection Afrique was taken by Klein during his travels throughout Africa, including through Mali, Niger, Senegal, and the Ivory Coast, on assignment for Town and the Weekly Telegraph. While a few of these photographs have been published, the majority remained as negatives in Klein’s studio, according to a gallery press release, and only recently uncovered by his assistant specifically for this exhibition. Klein documented Africa soon after what is now aptly called “The Year of Africa.” This refers to the series of events in Africa in the year 1960, most notably the liberation of seventeen African nations from colonial control and their incorporation into the United Nations (UN). With this political shift came an era of redefinition for several African countries, as nations worked to build and reshape social and political structures without the heavy hand of colonial rule.

Abidjan, Ivory Coast, 1963 Chromogenic print; printed 2022 Image size: 19 7/8 x 13 1/2 inches Paper size: 22 5/8 x 16 1/8 inches

This also brought forth a sense of intense cultural identity to many nations in an effort to decolonize, an identity that became more apparent to intercontinental viewership in the wake of the UN’s incorporation of these African nations. Klein’s vivid and perspective-infused style blends seamlessly with the vibrance of the landscapes and clothing he captures in this collection. His capturing of movement brings a lifeforce to these photographs. His subjects are untouched by his direction yet are through his artistic gaze. He incorporates more photojournalistic capturing of his surroundings while also staying true to his posed style, more reminiscent of his high fashion work.

Independence parade, Dakar, Senegal, 1963 Chromogenic print; printed 2022 Image size: 19 7/8 x 13 1/2 inches Paper size: 22 5/8 x 16 1/8 inches

This series holds an interesting relationship with history. These photographs act as a time capsule of a particularly turbulent moment in history, the action and artistry elevating their cultural importance. But the images feel timeless, with the focus on the intensity of the subjects’ emotions rather than their place in history. The fact that these images were undiscovered up to now also speaks to their timelessness; they are relevant and evocative for contemporary viewership.

Abidjan, Ivory Coast, 1963 Chromogenic print; printed 2022 Image size: 16 x 10 3/4 inches Paper size: 18 5/8 x 13 1/2 inches

For their time, these photographs stand out in their devotion to cultural realism. Both apolitical and charged with the nationalist sentiments of the time, these pieces appear to have no agenda other than preserving a mood, when in fact it is their intense realism and perspective that brings out relevant political sentiments. For example, Independence Parade (Dakar, Senegal, 1963) preserves a specific moment in history while also translating it through Klein’s auteurist vision. Independence Parade’s historical significance is seen through the subjects’ clothing and ornaments they wear. Klein plays with perspective and focus, two key instruments of his work, to create what feels like a powerful standoff between the viewer and the subject in the background.