James Barnor’s legacy celebrated in nationwide photography exhibition tour
A landmark photography exhibition, Someone Somewhere Beyond, will tour six regions of Ghana in 2025, celebrating the enduring legacy of James Barnor, Ghana’s pioneering photographer.
The exhibition, originally commissioned for the James Barnor 95 Festival in 2024, pairs Barnor’s revolutionary approach with the works of 16 emerging photographers, each representing one of Ghana’s regions.
The nationwide tour, organized in partnership with The French Embassy in Ghana and Alliance Française, will kick off on March 29 at Red Clay Studios in Tamale, owned by renowned artist Ibrahim Mahama, before making stops in Kumasi, Bolgatanga, Busua, Cape Coast, and Accra.
Curated by cultural historian Menenaba, the exhibition explores everyday Ghanaian life through contemporary lenses influenced by Barnor’s human-centered storytelling. From vibrant market scenes to intimate cultural rituals, the images reflect a blend of regional diversity and national identity.
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“James Barnor didn’t just document history; he taught us to see the extraordinary in ordinary lives,” Menenaba remarked. “These photographers—whether consciously or not—embody his belief that every Ghanaian’s story deserves a spotlight. Their work is a living dialogue between past and present.”
Beyond the exhibition, the tour seeks to democratize access to art, with planned artist talks and workshops at universities and community spaces. The initiative also arrives at a significant moment in Ghanaian history, as the nation approaches its 70th independence anniversary, reinforcing Barnor’s impact on national identity and contemporary Ghanaian photography.
The tour will run until October 2025, with guided tours for students and seniors available at all venues. Organizers encourage the public to engage with this traveling showcase that bridges generations and highlights Ghana’s evolving visual storytelling landscape.
For more information, media inquiries, and high-resolution images, contact Barima Owusu–Nyantekyi at barima@barima.co or someonesomewherebeyond@gmail.com.
