African Photography Encounters


African Photography Encounters is a biennial exhibition in Bamako, Mali, held since 1994. The exhibition, featuring exhibits by contemporary African photographers, is spread over several Bamako cultural centers, including the National Museum, the National Library, the Modibo Keïta memorial, and the District Museum. The exhibition also features colloquia and film showings. The most recent biennial took place in 2017.
It is jointly run by the government of Mali and the Institut Français. It has exhibited work by William Kentridge, Samuel Fosso, Pieter Hugo and Zanele Muholi.

2005 – 6th biennial

The 6th biennial took place in November and December 2005, with the theme of "Another World." The prizes awarded were:
The jury also honoured Ranjith Kally for his life's work.

2009 – 8th biennial

The biennial included work by Hassan Hajjaj.
The Seydou Keita Prize for Best Photographic Creation was awarded to Uche Okpa-Iroha.

2011 – 9th biennial

The biennial included work by Philippe Bordas and Omar Victor Diop. The Seydo Keita award was given to Pieter Hugo.

2013

The biennial was cancelled because of security concerns.

2015 – 10th biennial

The 10th biennial took place from 31 October to 31 December 2015 and was themed Telling Time. It was directed by Bisi Silva with associate curators Antawan I. Byrd and Yves Chatap.
The biennial included work by Moussa Kalapo, Lebohang Kganye, Uche Okpa-Iroha, Nyani Quarmyne, and Nassim Rouchiche.

2017 – 11th biennial

The 11th biennial took place from 2 December 2017 to 31 January 2018.