Efie Gallery is preparing to unveil a groundbreaking exhibition on January 12, 2024. Titled ‘Unveiling the Shadows of the Past: J. K. Bruce-Vanderpuije – The Hidden Icon of Photography in Africa,’ the exhibition is a fitting homage to the late photographer’s remarkable 70-year career. Born on March 7, 1899, in Jamestown, James Kobla Bruce-Vanderpuije fostered his passion for photography during his school days. His extensive collection, spanning decades, captured the essence of Ghana and West Africa throughout the 20th century.
With a focus on depicting a genuine pre-independence era, his images played a pivotal role in shaping historical narratives. The exhibition will offer a rare glimpse into previously unseen black-and-white photographs capturing life in Ghana during the 1920s and 30s. These images serve as a visual time capsule, providing valuable insights into the evolution of Ghanaian society. Additionally, they act as reference points for politics during a critical period of colonial upheaval. Notably, his photograph of Major Imray’s shooting at the Christianborg crossroads on February 28, 1948, became a linchpin in Ghana’s march toward independence and Africa’s broader decolonization.
Recognized as the forgotten forefather of 20th-century African photography, J. K. Bruce-Vanderpuije influenced luminaries like James Barnor and Malick Sidibe. His storytelling abilities provided a much more authentic view of Ghana as we have come to know of it today. This exhibition will immortalize his legacy and impact on West African photography.
Curated by the talented Aïda Muluneh, the exhibition is a celebration of Bruce-Vanderpuije’s oeuvre. It marks a pivotal moment—the photographer’s debut solo exhibition. ‘Unveiling the Shadows of the Past’ promises to transport visitors to the heart of Bruce-Vanderpuije’s world. This exhibit is not merely a collection of photographs; it is a narrative, a visual journey through the lens of a master storyteller.
Muluneh’s curation skillfully weaves together images that form a tapestry of Ghana’s path to independence. As the country braced itself for liberation, Bruce-Vanderpuije’s lens captured the essence of a burgeoning identity. His works were a mosaic of social and political nuances that would define a nation.
In essence, ‘Unveiling the Shadows of the Past’ is more than an exhibition; it’s a tribute to an artist whose work transcends time. Join Efie Gallery in honoring the legacy of J. K. Bruce-Vanderpuije—a hidden icon now brought into the spotlight, his images casting light on the shadows of Africa’s photographic history.
