Ouagadougou: Professional art photographer Nomwend© Vivien Sawadogo called on his Burkinabe colleagues last Friday to support the current momentum to promote Burkina Faso's national heritage and image. "The image has its say in the current struggle being waged by the Burkinabe people, and it is the duty of photographers to contribute to it through the images captured and published," said Nomwend© Vivien Sawadogo.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Mr. Sawadogo was speaking on the sidelines of his photography exhibition, held at the Maneer© workshop from March 7 to 21, 2025, in Ouagadougou. "This is my very first solo exhibition after several group exhibitions held at the sub-regional and international levels," he said. 'Skin Purgatory: From Fur to Plate' is the theme he has chosen to explore and exhibit during the year 2024-2025. According to him, this exhibition aims to highlight the noble struggle that many people are leading in different fields. This series of images focused particularly on the butchery sector, following the process of slaughtering cattle, from preparation to consumption.
"There are interesting topics to address here to enhance our profile. There's no need to look elsewhere," he insisted. For photographer Jacob P. Ou©draogo, this exhibition is "challenging" because the current context in Burkina Faso calls for social responsibility from every photographer. "We must show those who tarnish the image of Burkina Faso that our country is and remains a destination for discovery," he added.
The exhibition "Skin Purgatory: From Fur to Plate" won the 2024 Discovery Prize from the town hall of Perpignan in France, Mr. Sawadogo said. According to him, this creation took eight months of work, thanks to the support of the Burkinabe Copyright Office, from which he benefited for assistance with the creation and exhibition.
Working in the field of photography since 2010, Nomwend© Vivien Sawadogo says: 'My passion for photography was born in the darkroom, where I developed the films myself and made black and white prints. Since that day, I decided to abandon all other disciplines to devote myself entirely to photography. Speaking of the difficulties of the profession, he points to the high cost of cameras and the low pay of some contracts. "You can do a tough job and be paid a pittance because of the competition," he laments.
Mr. Sawadogo, however, was pleased with the strong turnout of his fellow photographers for his exhibition. He said he was open and available to those who wish to learn about artistic photography. He concludes by emphasizing the urgent need for training for photographers: "Many hold cameras, but clothes don't make the man."