Camera in Times of Crisis: Focus on Africa

Since the late 20th century, postcolonial Africa has faced various crises, from political and economic instability to public health and environmental emergencies, to inter-tribal conflicts. Throughout, the camera has remained a constant spectator, participant, and collaborator. With the advent of new media, the camera has become ubiquitous; Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in private and public buildings, body cameras worn by the police, and in the hands of journalists, participants, or bystanders. The camera presents multiple narratives and counternarratives, sometimes corroborating or challenging the carefully curated reports offered to the public by governments. Through a combination of anecdotal evidence, case studies, and imagery,

Camera in Times of Crisis thoroughly investigates how the camera has participated in crises across the continent. Edited by communication experts Kehinde Christopher Adewumi, Folasayo Enoch Olalere, Gambo Giles Duniya, this timely work is reinforced by each academics’ unique expertise, covering the practical, historical, and artistic aspects of visual media in crisis.

Camera in Times of Crisis is an essential read for academics and general educated readers alike, discussing the ability of the camera as a tool to document historical events; to verify and legitimise narratives; to represent the other; and act as a beacon of hope, aid, and change.

Kehinde Christopher Adewumi is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Durban University of Technology, South Africa. He is also the Curator-in-Chief and Co-founder of NowExpressions, a Curatorial Collective.

Folasayo Enoch Olalere is a Lecturer in Design at the Open University, UK, and an Honorary Research Fellow in the Faculty of Arts and Design at the Durban University of Technology, South Africa.

Gambo Giles Duniya is a Professor of Art History and Criticism at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.