Dancers of Africa - An exhibition of photographs

For the past ten years, Antoine Tempé has followed Africa’s greatest contemporary dancers. By getting ever closer to his subjects, his unmistakable style dives deep into the dancers’ vital energy. Caught in mid-motion, Tempé’s dancers show us the imperceptible: moments of grace invisible to the naked eye that are revealed only when stopped by the photographer’s talent as the subjects expose their souls in the intimacy of the studio.

Offering the viewer a humorous gesture, a pouting mouth, a longing to soar or collapse, this is indeed today’s Africa revealing herself through this series of danced portraits. Similar to a lexicon of souls and bodies in a universe free from clichés, Africa mirrors herself through a decidedly modern and contemporary lens, while remaining mindful of her roots.

Series of images from this body of work have been exhibited in various formats, sizes and mediums, throughout Africa, Europe, and north and south America under the title “Dancers of Africa“.