Curated by Benjamin Hoffman
Michel Kameni (1936-2020), nicknamed “Papami” is a Cameroonian photographer. His work explores the evolution of a postcolonial Yaounde by portraying its inhabitants with incredible kindness and passion. These images are more than just a document, they are also an intimate study of the relationship between the photographer and his subject.
In September 1963, he opened a photo studio in the Briqueterie district of Yaoundé. His lens captured people from all walks of life, spanning social classes and cultural backgrounds, encompassing Christians and Muslims, urban elites, and rural farmers, all converging within the vibrant city.
In 2017, French photographer Benjamin Hoffman discovered Michel Kameni’s work and cultivated a strong connection with him. Benjamin took on the responsibility of promoting Kameni’s work.
Following Michel’s passing in 2020, the Kameni family entrusted Benjamin with Michel’s artistic legacy, enabling him to perpetuate and further showcase this incredible body of work.
YAOUNDÉ is the very first book of Michel Kameni, compiling his most powerful photographs.
In September 1963, he opened a photo studio in the Briqueterie district of Yaoundé. His lens captured people from all walks of life, spanning social classes and cultural backgrounds, encompassing Christians and Muslims, urban elites, and rural farmers, all converging within the vibrant city.
In 2017, French photographer Benjamin Hoffman discovered Michel Kameni’s work and cultivated a strong connection with him. Benjamin took on the responsibility of promoting Kameni’s work.
Following Michel’s passing in 2020, the Kameni family entrusted Benjamin with Michel’s artistic legacy, enabling him to perpetuate and further showcase this incredible body of work.
YAOUNDÉ is the very first book of Michel Kameni, compiling his most powerful photographs.
