THE BIG BANG
The universe started, not with a fizzle but with a bang. An infinitely hot and dense single point that inflated and stretched. 13.7 billion years later, here we are still watching the cosmos expand with each day.
The lessons here could be that big things start off as small spots in the dark, blink and you might miss it. Or, it could be that since we live in an expanding universe then maybe we too are expansive?
One thing that is certain is that photography from Africa and the diaspora is at this place, where it is stretching and becoming something new. We are currently living in historic times, where the image can transcend borders and binaries.
Africa is a complicated and beautiful place.
You can be lost and also find yourself here, depending on which street you turn.
As a platform we are excited to be part of this 21 century renaissance, as we see more people claim their autonomy and shoot for the stars. As photographers (and lovers of the art form) we are watching in awe at the upward trajectory that photography is taking.
The only way to continue this growth is to build infrastructure (physically and digitally) to champion all the voices coming out of the periphery and into the light. Thirty five photographers from across the continent are featured in our inaugural issue, each with a unique perspective to share.
Founders,
Michelle Loukidis & Kwazokuhle Phakathi
Thank you to all the artist who agreed to be part of Tombe:
Jono Terry / Farren Van Wyk / Thero Makepe / Phumzile Khanyile / Kalenga Nkonge / D.M.Terblanche / Sarah Ben Amar / Xoliswa Ngwenya / Ashley Walters / Lusanda Ndita / Billal Laïd / Kimberly Mduli / Belkacem Mustapha Mesbahi / Chris Stamatiou / Awetahegn Ephrem / Caroline Sohie / Mekonnen Natnael Ashebir / Matt Kay / Sophie Smith / Haroun Loukidis / Sharday Swanepoel / Ricky Laidlaw / Lillian Benny / Hickmatu Leigh / Israa Alrrayah / Helen Mulugetta / Odette Howell / Mikhail Samuel /Metche Jaafar / Bonolo Tlholoe / Faswillah Nattabi / Keabetsoe Makgoane/ Sinada Aya / Mayowa Oyewale / Luyolo Fihla