Akinbode Akinbiyi

Akinbode Akinbiyi (born 1946 in Oxford, England) is a British photographer, author and curator of Nigerian background, who has been living in Berlin, Germany, since the 1990s. Due to his participation in exhibitions, festivals, publications and networks, he has become known as one of the internationally renowned representatives of photography in Africa. Quotes Wandering is very much part of my being. Akinbode Akinbiyi, in a MoMA audio interview accompanying Sea Never Dry. There is no such thing as a hundred percent stranger. There’s always this relationship. Always. Akinbode Akinbiyi, MoMA interview. If I had any advice for wanderers, I would say be serious about it. Breathe well. Eat well, drink, find your own rhythm, and then focus. And go for it. What you want to photograph is up to you. Akinbode Akinbiyi, MoMA interview. My philosophy is that you are quickest on foot. This may sound contradictory. When you walk you move slowly through spaces and by so doing you see more. I have been doing this for 40 years. I move very slowly and gently, I try not to invade other people’s spaces, while at the same time trying to take images. It is a sort of dance, a negotiation, meandering — a very sensitive way of moving through all kinds of spaces. Akinbode Akinbiyi, discussing his approach to street photography in an interview published by African Digital Art. I photograph to gain a deeper understanding and recognition of my surroundings. Akinbode Akinbiyi, interview with Artribune, 2020. Regardless of where I am, I always try to be myself. Akinbode Akinbiyi, interview with Artribune, 2020. Photographic language is often deceptive, reflecting the prejudices and limited vision of those it strives to represent. Akinbode Akinbiyi, interview with Artribune, 2020. “It's about the moments of the day and how you take it on, the more you become open to every moment, that’s when you begin to understand what life’s about." Akinbode Akinbiyi, interview published by Tombe Magazine “When you are moving up and down, like I was in the 50s and 60s, I found that you could either open up or close down.” Akinbode Akinbiyi, interview published by Tombe Magazine “Photography has gone in so many directions, but the fundamentals still remain, that wanting to show others your view of the world.” Akinbode Akinbiyi, interview published by Tombe Magazine “The common thread has been myself. I do understand and hear the different resonances coming across, but quickly I try to take it on. I just go with the flow.” Akinbode Akinbiyi, interview published by Tombe Magazine “I’m very interested in the cadences and resonances that come out of the urban situation. The word urban can be restrictive, I’m very interested in engaging with my immediate environment.” Akinbode Akinbiyi, interview published by Tombe Magazine External links Category:Living people Category:1946 births Category:Photographers from Nigeria Category:Authors from Nigeria Category:Curators