Elroy Salam is a photographer, visual storyteller, artistic activist. He is one of five awardees winning US$2,000 each in the 2024 Africa Prime Initiative (API)/Gallery Soview grant.
API is the philanthropic arm of US-based video streaming platform Africa Prime and Gallery Soview is an Accra-based contemporary art space that will be exhibiting the grant winners' work in September 2024.
In the fourth in a series of interviews with the grant award winners, AKADi Magazine speaks to Elroy about his forthcoming exhibition at Gallery Soview and how he hopes sharing his own vulnerabilities and introspections will encourage others to confront their own and find strength in their individuality.
How old were you when you took your first photo?
I was about 20 years old when I took my first photo. I am currently 30 years old.
What did you take it of?
It was a photo of the hallway of my school administration block, shot on my iPhone 5.
And why did you choose that muse?
I took it randomly because the night before, I had come across Ghanaian portrait and boudoir photographer Eliezer Asamoah’s Instagram, and I wanted to try it out too. I found myself taking photos of random things that piqued my interest ever since.
Name a photographer/ artist that inspires you?
I get inspired by quite a number of artists and photographers for different reasons. James Barnor for his pioneering work in Ghanaian photography, Malick Sidibe’s ability to capture vibrant social life and identity, Tim Walker for his surreal and imaginative compositions, and Edward Hopper for his ability to convey profound solitude and introspection in his paintings.
Are they the reason why you got into photography? If not, what was your inspiration?
While these photographers and artist’s works deeply resonate with me, my inspiration for getting into photography was more personal. It was a means to navigate my own emotions and social awkwardness, allowing me to communicate and express myself in ways I couldn't otherwise.
Tell us more about your style of taking photographs/ the type of camera you use?
My approach to photography is deeply conceptual and often allegorical. I primarily use a Sony a7S III for its exceptional low-light capabilities and versatility, though I also enjoy shooting on film with a vintage Miranda Sensorex to explore different textures and tones.
What you look out for when composing a picture?
When composing an image, I usually look for elements that can personify my emotions and thoughts, with the aim to create a visual narrative that is both unique and thought-provoking. I try to focus on symbolic elements within the frame to convey deeper meanings.
You are known for using your art to empower people and encourage people to confront their own vulnerabilities and embrace the complexities of being human. Can you explain how your art achieves that?
My art achieves this by exploring themes that are often considered taboo or difficult to discuss, such as mental health, identity and individuality. Through my conceptual compositions, I create visual stories that resonate with people on a personal level, making complex emotions and experiences more tangible.
By sharing my own vulnerabilities and introspections through my work, I encourage others to confront their own and find strength in their individuality. This helps to break down societal norms and challenge conventional perspectives, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-acceptance.
Where were you when you learnt you’d won the API/ Gallery Soview grant and how did you feel at that moment?
I received an email notification while I was stuck in traffic on my way home to Accra. Picture me checking my email amidst honking horns and street vendors yet beaming with smiles—it was a surreal moment of joy and validation! Winning this grant was a profound acknowledgment of my work and the story I aim to share.
Why do you think it’s important to have initiatives like API/Gallery Soview?
Initiatives like API/Gallery Soview are crucial because they provide a platform for artists to showcase their work and gain recognition. They offer essential support and resources that enable artists to pursue their creative projects and push the boundaries of their art. These initiatives also foster a sense of community and collaboration among artists, encouraging the exchange of ideas and dialogue.
Tell us more about what you plan to do with your grant and what you plan to showcase in September at Gallery Soview.
With the grant, I plan to delve into the influence of ‘Ataya tea’ culture on identity and community, starting from Shukura - a neighbourhood in Accra, where I grew up. It’s where I got exposed to this tea ritual and also serves as the starting point for my project on this tea culture.
(Ataya is a type of tea made from Chinese gunpowder green tea, mint, and sugar, brewed in three stages in a kettle over hot coals.)
The tea-drinking ceremony originates from West Africa, particularly popular in countries like Senegal and Gambia. It involves the preparation and consumption of tea.
While 'Ataya' is a cultural practice found predominantly in West African countries and regions where Islam is practised, it is not exclusively a Muslim practice. It is more a reflection of the region's social customs and traditions rather than a religious ritual.
The activity is more than just drinking tea; it is a social and cultural ritual that fosters community bonds and facilitates social interaction.
My goal is to capture the essence of ‘Ataya’ gatherings through contemporary and conceptual photography, diving into themes of identity formation, cultural preservation, and community resilience.
The project will highlight my childhood memories and experience of ‘Ataya’ bases (spots and places where the people gather to drink tea) , offering a glimpse into their unique significance within their communities.
They serve as spots of camaraderie, discussions and community bonding. They also serve as informal forums where people share stories, debate, and reinforce communal ties.
Where would you like to be in terms of your photography career in the next five years?
In the next five years, I envision myself continuing to evolve as an artist. I aspire to deepen my exploration of complex social issues through photography, expanding my reach and impact globally.
I also hope to mentor emerging photographers and contribute to the growth and development of the art community in Ghana and beyond. I also aim to have my projects exhibited in major galleries and museums and to continue using my art to inspire and empower people.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I would like to emphasise the importance of embracing our individual stories and using art as a means of self-expression and connection. Through my journey, I've learned that vulnerability can be a powerful tool for growth and empowerment. I encourage everyone to find their own creative outlet and use it to explore and share their unique perspectives with the world.
About API
Founded in 2022 by Yaya Moussa, API has provided grants to artists in Namibia, in collaboration with the StArt Art Gallery, and in Madagascar, in partnership with Fonds Yavarhoussen. Two years later, the initiative expanded to support emerging artists in Ghana.
About Gallery Soview
Gallery Soview is a contemporary art gallery situated in Accra, Ghana created by founder and director Barbara Kokpavo Janvier. The gallery has a strong focus on emerging artists from Africa and is committed to enhancing their visibility both within and beyond the continent.
The contents of this page are based on questions sent by AKADi Magazine and cannot be reproduced without permission.
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