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30 Unfiltered Photos By Pieter Hugo Show The Reality Of Marginalized People In Rwanda, Nigeria, Ghana, And South Africa
Pieter Hugo is a 44-year-old South African photographer born in Johannesburg, now based in Cape Town. Being a white African man and struggling to fit in, his subject of interest is Africa. He is well-known for exploring marginalized communities in Africa through his stark and provocative photography art.
The albinos, the blind, people with AIDS, the elderly, Ghanaian honey collectors, workers at the electronics dumpsite on the outskirts of Accra in Ghana, actors in the Nigerian movie industry known as Nollywood, Nigerian hyena handlers, and children who survived the 1994 Rwandan genocide are all among the subjects of Hugo's almost two decades of work.
His candid portraits show the world around him addressing culture, issues of class, identity, and privilege. The photographer described his work to Bored Panda as "direct, engaged, scrutinizing." We've collected the best of his powerful images. Don't forget to tell us what you think in the comments!
More info: pieterhugo.com | Instagram
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Abdulai Yahaya, Agbogbloshie Market, Accra, Ghana, 2010, "Permanent Error"
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#2
Loyiso Mayga, Wandise Ngcama, Lunga White, Luyanda Mzantsi And Khungsile Mdolo After Their Initiation Ceremony, Mthatha, 2008, "Kin"
Samantha Comerford 5 years ago
Most men are dressing like this now, it a fashion thing . It looks good
#3
Mallam Galadima Ahmadu With Jamis, Nigeria, 2005, "The Hyena And Other Men"
#4
Pieter And Maryna Vermeulen With Timana Phosiwa, "Messina/Musina"
#5
Abdullahi Mohammed With Mainasara, Ogere-Remo, Nigeria, 2007, "The Hyena And Other Men"
#6
At A Traffic Intersection, Johannesburg, 2011, "Kin"
#7
Naasra Yeti, Agbogbloshie Market, Accra, Ghana, 2009, "Permanent Error"
#8
Garuba Yawu With Mora, Ogere-Remo, Nigeria, 2007, "The Hyena And Other Men"
#9
Yakubu Al Hasan, Agbogbloshie Market, Accra, Ghana, 2009, "Permanent Error"
Tantalum_Radium 5 years ago
It’s an interesting shot, it makes me want to find a photo series of the very wealthy areas of Ghana and understand the divide between rich and poor, see the contrast for myself.
#10
Agbogbloshie Market, Zakaria Salifu, Accra, Ghana, 2010, "Permanent Error"
#11
Agbogbloshie Market, Accra, Ghana 2009, "Permanent Error"
#12
Agbogbloshie Market, Accra, Ghana, 2010, "Permanent Error"
#13
Paul Ankomah, Wild Honey Collector, Techiman District, Ghana, 2005, "Wild Honey Collectors"
#14
Aron Twala, Vrede, 2006, "Looking Aside"
#15
Regina Kambule, Johannesburg, 2003, "Looking Aside"
Ellen Ranks 5 years ago
Being an albino in Africa can be very hard. They are outcasts in many places because of their "weird" looks, meaning they have to beg for food and do not have money to buy any protection against the relentless sun. Skin cancer is very common. Even worse, in some countries they are at risk of being killed for body parts to be used in witchcraft.
#16
South Africa, 2016, "1994"
#17
Rwanda, 2014, "1994"
#19
Rwanda, 2015, "1994"
#20
Agbogbloshie Market, Accra, Ghana, 2010, "Permanent Error"
#21
Dayaba Usman With The Monkey Clear, Nigeria, 2005, "The Hyena And Other Men"
George-Florin Constantin 5 years ago
The monkey resting it's arm on the man's leg, the chain, the golden watch and the dead look in his eyes... This picture is heartbreaking on so many levels.
#22
The Hyena Men Of Abuja, Nigeria, 2005, "The Hyena And Other Men"
#24
Abdulai Yahaya, Agbogbloshie Market, Accra, Ghana, 2010, "Permanent Error"
#25
Mummy Ahmadu And A Snake Charmer With A Rock Python, Abuja, Nigeria, 2005, "The Hyena And Other Men"
#26
Nura Garuba And Friend With Their Monkey, Abuja, Nigeria, 2005, "The Hyena And Other Men"
#27
Martin Kofi, Wild Honey Collector, Techiman District, Ghana, 2005, "Wild Honey Collectors"
Lynn Morello 5 years ago
The work of a Bee Keeper is difficult indeed even with the luxury of modern Bee Keepers Garb. But those Bees are often Aggressive and they have no protection other than the flimsy garments they are wearing.
#28
Issaku Moses, Agbogbloshie Market, Ghana, 2009, "Permanent Error"
#29
Al Hasan Abukari, Agbogbloshie Market, Accra, Ghana, 2009, "Permanent Error"
Tiredpossum 5 years ago
it's interesting to see this. I have visited Ghana a few times (I have family there) I only see the great rich parts because if my families social status. It's very eye opening about the poverty there. I will certainly talk to my family about it.
#32
Abu Kikan With Frayo, Asaba, Nigeria, 2007, "The Hyena And Other Men"
#33
Agbogbloshie Market, Accra, Ghana, 2010, "Permanent Error"
#38
Yaw Francis, Agbogbloshie Market, Accra, Ghana, 2009, "Permanent Error"
#40
South Africa, 2016, "1994"
#41
Steven Mohapi, Johannesburg, 2003, "Looking Aside"
#43
Agbogbloshie Market, Accra, Ghana, 2010, "Permanent Error"
#44
Jatto With Mainasara, Ogere-Remo, Nigeria, 2007, "The Hyena And Other Men"
Thinker Dell 5 years ago
awful, cruel...I cannot comprehed why should poverty be equal with cruelty
#46
South Africa, 2016, "1994"
#48
Alhaji Hassan With Ajasco, Ogere-Remo, Nigeria, 2007, "The Hyena And Other Men"
#49
Mummy Ahmadu And Mallam Mantari Lamal With Mainasara, Abuja, Nigeria, 2005, "The Hyena And Other Men"
Jamie Smith 5 years ago
As I commented before, I may not agree with what the hyena men do but I don't feel like I can judge anyone on what they do to feed their family. A lot of men that do this literally live off the money the people give them for the performance. I just can't sit in my comfortable home with a full stomach and judge.
#51
Abdullahi Mohammed With Mainasara, Lagos, Nigeria, 2007, "The Hyena And Other Men"
#57
Steven Amoako, Wild Honey Collector, Techiman Distric, Ghana, 2005, "Wild Honey Collectors"
#59
Mkhonzemi Welcome Makma, Pietermaritzburg, 2005, "Looking Aside"
#60
Vuyiswa Kama, Cape Town, 2003, "Looking Aside"
#61
South Africa, 2016, "1994"
#63
Abdullahi Mohammed With Wild Dog And Antelope Carcass, Ogere-Remo, Nigeria, 2007, "The Hyena And Other Men"
#64
Mallam Mantari Lamal With Mainasara, Nigeria, 2005, "The Hyena And Other Men"
Omar Pearson 5 years ago
I am truly amazed by all of the commenters more concerned with the wellbeing of a hyena or baboon than are concerned for the people. Makes me sick.
#66
War Memorial, Springs, 2012, "Kin"
#70
Vernon Barnard, Somerset West, 2005, "Looking Aside"
#71
South Africa, 2016, "1994"
#74
Mallam Galadima Ahmadu With Jamis, Abuja, Nigeria, 2007, "The Hyena And Other Men"
#75
Kwadwo Konado, Wild Honey Collector, Techiman District, Ghana, 2005, "Wild Honey Collectors"
#79
Katie Moerane, Tembisa, 2006, "Looking Aside"
#81
David Akore, Agbogbloshie Market, Accra, Ghana, 2010, "Permanent Error"
#109
Vinkosi Sigwegwe, Cape Town, 2002, "Looking Aside"
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Audora 5 years ago
Probably gonna get very downvoted, but I'm a native African (nigerian specifically) and while these pics are acc really good, I don't particularly like them because they just add to that idea that Africa is this huge third world country. Maybe the photographer couldv'e gotten in a few shots that really showed what cities in Africa are like, with like cinemas and cars and stuff. Kudos to the photographer though.
OoNijNoO 5 years ago
I saw a documentary on this issue recently, I think it's called "stop filming us". Really made me think, since the dominant narrative always centres around those "those poor Africans" while there seems to be an enormous amount of undiscovered cultural diversity
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bryguy 5 years ago
I'm not sure what is more shocking, these photos or how some of you are commenting. "Cuteeee <3" on photos of children starving. "Pretty dress!!!" on photos of women digging through garbage struggling to survive. You've missed the entire point of these photos. These people want their struggle documented, shown to the world. They are sorting and surviving off our garbage. Anyone reading bored panda just has no context on what they are going through, including myself. None of us can fathom what they need to do to survive and the massive inequality between the different classes in the same small area.
Miłka Chromińska 5 years ago
I think you can see the beauty of a dress whilst still seeing the poverty that they're experiencing. Furthermore, it's really hard to judge someone's perspective of a photo from one comment they post - because you can never know their thoughts unless you have a conversation with them.
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TheReader19 5 years ago
As I sit here ordering a lavish take-away; I will never complain about my life again. People like me need these reminders about how others live to be grateful for what we've got. I keep complaining that my wages are to low. Now I just feel ungrateful
Audora 5 years ago
Probably gonna get very downvoted, but I'm a native African (nigerian specifically) and while these pics are acc really good, I don't particularly like them because they just add to that idea that Africa is this huge third world country. Maybe the photographer couldv'e gotten in a few shots that really showed what cities in Africa are like, with like cinemas and cars and stuff. Kudos to the photographer though.
OoNijNoO 5 years ago
I saw a documentary on this issue recently, I think it's called "stop filming us". Really made me think, since the dominant narrative always centres around those "those poor Africans" while there seems to be an enormous amount of undiscovered cultural diversity
Load More Replies... bryguy 5 years ago
I'm not sure what is more shocking, these photos or how some of you are commenting. "Cuteeee <3" on photos of children starving. "Pretty dress!!!" on photos of women digging through garbage struggling to survive. You've missed the entire point of these photos. These people want their struggle documented, shown to the world. They are sorting and surviving off our garbage. Anyone reading bored panda just has no context on what they are going through, including myself. None of us can fathom what they need to do to survive and the massive inequality between the different classes in the same small area.
Miłka Chromińska 5 years ago
I think you can see the beauty of a dress whilst still seeing the poverty that they're experiencing. Furthermore, it's really hard to judge someone's perspective of a photo from one comment they post - because you can never know their thoughts unless you have a conversation with them.
Load More Replies... TheReader19 5 years ago
As I sit here ordering a lavish take-away; I will never complain about my life again. People like me need these reminders about how others live to be grateful for what we've got. I keep complaining that my wages are to low. Now I just feel ungrateful
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