Qirv Ventures Brings Acclaimed Photographer James Barnor On A Triumphant Return To Accra for First-Ever Retrospective of His Work in Ghana

Who: After several decades in Europe, iconic Ghanaian photographer James Barnor returns to Accra to celebrate the launch of the first-ever retrospective of his work in Ghana. Titled, ‘Ghana – A Heritage Ever Young,’ the exhibit will feature dozens of exclusive and some never-before seen prints from the photographer’s archives. Barnor’s celebrated prints feature intimate portraits of Presidents (Kwame Nkrumah, Jerry Rawlings etc.), Politicians (J.B. Danquah, Obetsebi Lamptey), athletes (Adjetey Sowah, Muhammed Ali, etc.) and influencers, (Michael Eghan, A.Q.A. Acheampong etc.).
In addition, Barnor’s lense captured everyday Ghanaians who were making history all their own such as the country’s first Police Woman and one of the first married interracial couples in Accra. The exhibit, which takes place June 30th through July 2nd, will be on display at the Silverbird Lounge in Accra Mall.
The exhibit is presented by London based company, Qirv Ventures, who are passionate about the works and are on a mission to raise awareness about Barnor’s epic contribution to the media, culture and heritage of Ghana.
What: ‘Ghana – A Heritage For Ever Young’ Photography Exhibition. This event marks the firstever retrospective of the work of James Barnor, who captured Ghana’s golden age of Independence. It will feature dozens of photographs, curated / handpicked by Barnor and Quest for public viewing.
The three day exhibit will be preceded by an invitation only dinner and cocktail hour at the British Council on Friday, June 29th.
When: Private dinner and cocktail reception: Friday, June 29th. Three day photo exhibit, Saturday June 30th through Monday, July 2nd
Where: Dinner and Cocktail Hour to take place at the British Council; Three day photo exhibit to take place at Silverbird Lounge, Accra Mall
Contact: admin@qirv.com and zandile@zandileblay.com OR tel: +233 (0) 5442 90909
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Flagship Brands Support Qirv Ventures in Groundbreaking Exhibition of Works By Acclaimed Photographer James Barnor
Accra, Ghana – In weeks leading up to the highly anticipated ‘Ghana – A Heritage For Ever Young’ exhibition – major flagship companies are showing support. Graphic Communiations Group, home of the leading newspaper publisher in Ghana, has joined a prestigious list of companies who will contribute to the groundbreaking exhibition. Graphic joins other media partners such as Ghana Broadcasting Corporation / GTV as well as radio station XYZ in documenting and reporting this historic moment.
In addition to media partners, the British Council have joined the movement to bring awareness to Mr. Barnor’s contribution by hosting an invitation only Opening Ceremony, Dinner and Private Viewing of Mr. Barnor’s archives.
The newly opened Silver Bird Lounge in Accra Mall has also come on board as host of a special three-day unorthodox public viewing of Mr. Barnor’s work.
Local and International Campaign supporters also include Basics International, Africa Style Daily, Autograph ABP, GUBA Awards, Me Firi Ghana, Ghanaian Londoners etc.
Together these media partners, institutions and venues are aiding Qirv Ventures’ campaign to highlight and honor Mr. Barnor for his rich contribution to Ghana’s history and heritage.
For more details on supporting or sponsoring email: admin@qirv.com
‘Ghana – A Heritage For Ever Young’
Timeline & Key Dates
June 2012
June 16: James Barnor Arrives in Accra
June 19 to 23: Barnor visits Press Partners and various Press Offices
June 25: Press Conference at Press Center
June 29: Opening Ceremony, Dinner & Cocktail Hour at British Council
June 30 to July 2: Three Day Exhibit at Silverbird Lounge, Accra Mall
July 4: One Day Photography Seminar led by Mr. Barnor
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About James Barnor
James Barnor is famed across the globe as a pioneer in photojournalism. He cut his teeth working out of his own makeshift studio (which he christened “Ever Young”) taking portraits of sitters from all walks of life, from civil servants to newly-weds. In the late 50s, Barnor moved to London to work as a fashion photographer, and began to capture unique images of Africans living in Britain. His covers and fashion shoots for Drum, the most widely read magazine in Africa at the time (established by British poet Jim Bailey), were taken while Barnor was based in the UK, and placed black models dressed in western, 60s fashions in typical London settings: in front of a red telephone box, exiting a tube station, or surrounded by pigeons in Trafalgar Square. He shot famous faces, too––Mohammed Ali preparing to fight Brian London in 1966, and Roy “Black Flash” Ankrah, after he became the first black person to win the British Empire featherweight boxing title in 1951. The pictures have become slices of history, documenting race and modernity in the post-colonial world. But according to the 83-year-old, the message he conveyed through his work was an accidental one; he always worked from commissions.
“Through my entire career I never chose many subjects, they just came. I live happy-go-lucky,” he says, “I call myself Lucky Jim.” Ever Young: James Barnor, the first comprehensive exhibition of the photographer’s street and studio work in Accra will debut June 30th through July 2nd at the Silverbird Lounge at Accra Mall.
About Qirv Ventures
Qirv Ventures is a London based holding company. It houses a spectrum of businesses from creative industries to property development under its umbrella. It was founded in 2004 by entrepreneur Myx Boadi-Alawiye Quest. In addition to the United Kingdom, Qirv manages operations in Africa and the United States. Learn more at www.qirv.com.