In Ordinary Pain Simon Njami(CH, 1962), founder of the cultural journal Revue Noir and director of the Bamako photography festival, takes a stand against the transitory media landscape. In the media, he argues, there is no time for analysis, and too little attention for drama that is less ‘sexy’ visually. Njami shows the conflict and suffering that occurs off in the wings of the world stage.

The confrontational portraits of Laurence Leblanc, Aida Muhuneh, Jodi Bieberand others carry us along from Cuba to the refugee camps of Africa, from Tibet to the townships of Soweto. In this way Ordinary Paintells the stories of ordinary people who have sought to build a dignified existence under difficult circumstances. 

Venue: Der Aa-kerk

Photographers:

Jodi Bieber (ZA)
Marie-Ange Bordas (FR/BR)
Viviane Dalles (FR)
David Damoison (MQ)
Anabel Guerrero (VE)
Laurence Leblanc (FR)
Mwanzo Lawrence Millinga (TZ)
Aida Muluneh (ET)
Andrew Tshabangu (ZA)