As part of the “Devenir…une épopée humaine” (14th-25th May) vernissage, organized by the Christophe Person Gallery and held at the Jardin Tropical in Dakar, Burkinabé photographer Léon Nyaba Ouedraogo presents a powerful series of photographs depicting women accused of witchcraft.
In the rural landscapes of Burkina Faso’s Mossi Plateau, accusations of witchcraft have long been a tool of oppression, particularly against women. Léon Nyaba Ouedraogo sheds light on this dark reality, where hundreds of women face violence and exile each year based on unfounded allegations. He emphasizes: “People attribute to these women the power to consume the souls of others when someone dies in a village. In the Mossi Plateau of Burkina Faso, over 200 women are killed or exiled annually due to accusations of witchcraft. Here’s how it happens: when a young person dies, the supposed witch is identified by wrapping the corpse in a mat. Two young boys, who have never had sexual relations, spin in a trance around the village with the body. When the corpse hits the house of the accused woman, she must flee to Ouagadougou or be killed.”
Through his lens, he exposes the mechanisms of persecution and challenges societal norms that perpetuate such injustices.
Against this backdrop of adversity, Ouedraogo’s camera becomes a tool of empowerment. He seeks out the women who have dared to defy their oppressors, capturing their resilience and courage in every frame. Ouedraogo reflects, “This story has touched me since I was a child, and it’s what pushed me to photograph 20 women who managed to flee to Ouagadougou.” These portraits transcend mere images; they are testaments to the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable hardship.
Central to Ouedraogo’s mission is the restoration of dignity to those who have been stripped of it. Through his artistic vision, he offers these women a platform to reclaim their narratives and assert their humanity. He emphasizes, “I tell them to show themselves to the world, I make them up, and I give them a new identity.” Each portrait is a celebration of identity and a defiance of the labels imposed upon them. In restoring dignity, Ouedraogo not only honors the individual but also challenges the broader societal attitudes that perpetuate discrimination and marginalization.
Léon Nyaba Ouedraogo’s work aligns with numerous other artists who seek to empower women through their art. This recurring theme is prevalent in various artistic projects and serves as a powerful tool to challenge societal norms and spark conversations within African societies.
Glamorization and Subversion
Ouedraogo’s approach to photographing persecuted women with a touch of glamour subverts traditional narratives of victimhood. By presenting these women with dignity and grace, he challenges stereotypes and encourages viewers to confront their preconceived notions. One striking example is the photograph of an elderly woman with a cigarette in her mouth, exuding confidence and defiance. This deliberate choice to portray strength and resilience in the face of adversity adds depth to Ouedraogo’s narrative and invites viewers to reevaluate their perceptions.
In a world fraught with inequality and injustice, Léon Nyaba Ouedraogo’s work serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of art. Through his lens, he amplifies the voices of the marginalized, illuminates the shadows of persecution, and restores dignity to those who have been unjustly cast aside. In capturing the strength and resilience of Burkina Faso’s women, he not only creates art but also ignites a call to action for a more just and equitable society.
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