James Barnor // Serpentine Gallery

We swapped the studio for a stroll in Hyde Park and went to see the James Barnor retrospective at the Serpentine Gallery.

James Barnor: Accra/London

Serpentine Gallery

19th May – 22nd October 2021

Accra/London celebrates the work of British-Ghanaian photographer James Barnor and showcases and archive of works from 1950 – 1980. With a career spanning 6 decades and 2 countries, Barnor witnessed major social and political changes. This exhibition is the largest survey to date and includes portraiture, journalism and social documentary photography.

After moving from Ghana to London in 1950 Barnor’s work focused on capturing the Afro diasporic communities and neighbourhoods. Throughout this time his work was often featured on the cover of Drum magazine. We especially love the cover below, shot in Kilburn in the 60’s.

Another of our favourites are the two prints below. James Barnor established the first colour processing film lab in Ghana and educated others on how to bring this vibrancy to their photos. This was specifically important to his photography peers still working in Ghana as they could portray the bright, colourful nature of their country to the wider world.

Accra/ London is such an in depth exhibition and there’s so much to see that we made sure we did a few laps of the space. Tickets for this show are FREE but you need to book in advance here. Whilst you are there make sure you grab a coffee under the new Serpentine Pavillion and also see the exhibition of paintings by Jennifer Packer in the adjoining galleries.