The Museum of Photography in Saint-louis (MUPHO) in Senegal is hosting “Ascents, travel to sacred Senegal,” a photography exhibition by the acclaimed photojournalist CEM Özdel. The exhibition provides a unique outlook on Senegal through the lens of a celebrated artist.

The photographs on display explore themes of religion and nature within Senegal. The exhibition is a collaborative effort between the Turkey Embassy in Dakar, the Yunus Emre Institute in Dakar, and MUPHO. Visitors can view 11 striking photographs capturing various aspects of Senegalese life and landscapes.

Exhibition Highlights Senegalese Beauty and Rituals

The opening event was attended by students from Gaston Berger University, artists, and photography aficionados. Amadou Diaw, the founder of MUPHO, expressed his gratitude to Özdel, stating, “The photos of CEM Özdel celebrate the beauty and rituals of our society.”

“CEM Özdel’s photographs are not content to tell stories, thay take you on a cultural journey.”

Nur Sağman, Turkey’s ambassador to Senegal, praised Özdel’s work, noting that “CEM Özdel’s photographs are not content to tell stories, they take you on a cultural journey”.

Özdel Highlights Cultural Significance of Saint-Louis

CEM Özdel emphasized the significance of exhibiting in Saint-Louis, recognizing it as an important center of African cultural heritage. He explained, “A photograph is as much a document as a form of interpretation. I tried to reflect my gaze by combining it with the respect that I feel for people and rituals here.”

The exhibition is open to visitors until November.

About CEM Özdel

Born in Erzincan, turkey, in 1977, CEM Özdel has gained international recognition for his photography. He began his career covering significant global events, ranging from the war in Syria to the famine in Darfur. Özdel’s work has been recognized with awards both in Turkey and internationally. He currently resides in Dakar, continuing his work as a photographer.