It is often presented through a single adjective: vibrant. A city that vibrates, therefore, to the rhythm of its frenetic economic life, its roads, its festivals, its colors. What would happen if this capital of Ghana was emptied of all people, leaving only its buildings? This is what Ghanaian photographer Paul Addo chose to show in a series of photos that show Accra like you’ve never seen it.
From our correspondent in Ghana,
A strange calm reigns on this major artery of the capital. Only disturbed by the passage of a few passers-by and trotros. An almost unreal atmosphere, which can only be observed in Accra on Sunday morning, a day of church and rest for most Ghanaians. This is the moment that Paul Addo, 34, chose to go out with his camera: “ We are in front of the national theater. It was built around 1990 or so. I photograph its lines, its designs, its marble. These are the things that interest me. »
Paul Addo has been crisscrossing the country armed with his objective for ten years. A career that began in weddings and traditional festivals, after growing up on a farm in the central region, with his four brothers and sisters. Always, surrounded by a swarm of humans, like his adopted city, Accra. But this crowding of people prevents us from appreciating the real beauty of the capital.
« Because we are always very busy moving around the city, we sometimes don’t think about taking a break to see the little beauties it has to offer us. Its architecture, whether old or modern. I think what I’m doing by going out on Sunday is capturing what we sometimes overlook. »
Stunning architecture
The result is astonishing: in his photos, no human on the horizon. Through his eyes, vibrant Accra is transformed into a sort of ghost town, yet still multicolored and very alive. “ When you pay attention to architecture alone, you realize that it’s very busy. Sometimes even more than a place with a lot of people in it. When you look at a building, you can see why the architect decided to put a staircase there. You can look at the design of the windows, the doors, it’s far from boring. Sometimes I can sit in front of a building for a very long time. »
More than a tribute to the work of architects, Paul Addo’s photos also bear witness to the rapid transformation of the capital. “ It’s going very quickly, you can notice that there are lots of new buildings being built. I showed my father a photo of a very modern place in Accra, and he said to me: “Oh, that’s whatAccra looks like today ?“. And I answered him: “Yes” it’s Accra!“ »
Next goal for the photographer: organize his first solo exhibition. It should be held early next year, in Accra. In the meantime, you can find Paul Addo’s work on his website pauladdo.com.
