Joana Choumali will be showcasing her work at the 20th edition of the La Gacily Photo Festival. The La Gacilly Photo Festival, founded in 2004, offers an immersive experience with contemporary photography. Photographs grace the streets, gardens, and alleys of La Gacilly, France, complementing the town’s remarkable heritage. The backdrop of this beautiful setting enhances the impact of the thousand images on display. In this unique festival, public spaces transform into stages, accessible to all without any admission fees. It invites everyone to engage with the art, fostering a shared and inclusive experience.
Born with Ivorian heritage, Choumali has utilized her artistic expression as a form of self-therapy and a means to navigate the profound sadness and devastation that befell her beloved town. Despite facing personal health issues during that period, she found solace and healing through her art. Choumali’s thought-provoking pieces from the award-winning “Ca va aller” series, created in response to the devastating Grand-Bassam terrorist attack, will take center stage.
Through her lens, Choumali captures the emotional weight of the aftermath. She reflects the resilience of the people and the spirit of the town. Her photographs delve into themes of loss, healing, and hope, inviting viewers to contemplate the impact of tragedy. She also displays the transformative power of art in personal and collective recovery. Choumali’s unique storytelling approach combines photography and embroidery, creating a visually captivating fusion of visual elements. The delicate threadwork adds depth and texture to the images, enhancing the emotional connection between the subject matter and the audience. As an artist with a deep connection to her heritage, Choumali’s photographs not only capture the physical scars but also explore the emotional and psychological impact on individuals and the community. Through her delicate embroidery, she symbolizes the process of healing and transformation. “
None of the photos I use in my work are staged or found; I take them all myself, wherever I’m traveling.
It’s important for me to be in between the reality of the picture and the dream of my imagination. I want to create a dialogue between the two, between inner and outer landscapes and between past and present. And I’m fascinated by the symbolism of the sunrise, how it’s a new beginning every day. I started this project at a very difficult time in my life, and working on it each morning was both a spiritual journey and a physical exercise that helped me through.” – NY Times, Joana Chuomali on her work’ A Dreamy, Swallow Filled sky”
The embroidery adds an intimate and personal touch to her artwork. Each stitch represents a moment of reflection and resilience, weaving threads of hope and strength into her creations. This combination of photography and embroidery creates a visually captivating experience that invites viewers to explore the stories and emotions portrayed in the images. The 20th edition of La Gacilly Photo Festival provides an ideal platform for Choumali to showcase her remarkable talent. Visitors to the festival will have the opportunity to engage with her thought-provoking works. They will also interact with the artist who reflects on the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Joana Choumali’s inclusion in the 20th edition of La Gacilly Photo Festival celebrates her exceptional artistry and powerful storytelling abilities. Through her “Ca va aller” series, she confronts the aftermath of tragedy and offers a path to healing and resilience. With her unique blend of photography and embroidery, Choumali invites viewers to embark on a visual Journey. Prepare to be moved and inspired by Choumali’s evocative artworks as they take center stage. They reflect the strength and beauty of her heritage and the universal power of art to heal and uplift.
