Ina Thiam: The Visual Storyteller Redefining Empowerment

Meet Ina Thiam, a groundbreaking Senegalese photographer and artistic manager whose journey from economics student to influential visual storyteller is nothing short of inspiring. Born Ndeye Fatou Thiam in Dakar, Ina’s passion for capturing powerful narratives through her lens has made her a significant figure in the world of urban culture and beyond.

After joining Africulturban, a hip hop and urban culture association in Pikine, in 2011, Ina honed her skills in audiovisual production and studio recording. Her experiences, including a participation in the Avignon Festival in France, ignited a deep passion for photography.

Ina Thiam is breaking barriers and establishing herself in a field often dominated by men. Despite being a victim of sexual violence, she embodies resilience and fights tirelessly for greater recognition and value for women.

In this exclusive interview with DakartNews, Ina Thiam shares her journey, inspirations, and the challenges she faces as a female artist.

What inspired you to become a photographer?

I realized that through photography, I can say things that words cannot express. We live in a society where culture doesn’t allow us to say things directly or bluntly. But with photography, I can convey what I think. I can better communicate my message through images. That’s mainly why I chose this path. Additionally, I discovered that I had a lot to say about what’s happening in society, particularly on women’s and environmental issues. I can use images, the only tool I master, to fight the battles that matter to me.

As a female artist, what challenges have you faced?

The main challenge is to exist because in our society, a woman is someone’s daughter, then someone’s wife. Another challenge was to assert myself by not doing what everyone else is doing or following current trends, but by expressing what lies deep within me through my images.

What makes you unique as a photographer?

My uniqueness lies in the issues I focus on, such as women in sports and sexual violence. I also published a book called ‘Issue de Secours,’ an autobiographical work about resilience after being a victim of sexual violence. Beyond the themes, my style is characterized by low-angle portraits. When I photograph, I aim to give more value to my subjects. I don’t want people to look at my subjects and feel sad. This technique is something I like, and it helps people recognize my work.

Which female photographers have inspired you?

I started photography within urban cultures, particularly Hip Hop. American photographer Martha Cooper has significantly influenced me. She documented the beginnings of graffiti in the 80s and published books on graffiti. Additionally, Fatou Kandé Senghor inspired me a lot. She contributed significantly to my development, not so much in terms of technique, but in becoming an artist who needs to assert herself in a male-dominated field.