Five men are pictured from behind. They walk on a path bearing truck marks, towards a bend in the road. The most consequential aspect of their presence is the incline of their legs as it makes its way up. As a result of this, their gestures, seen in a singular or general manner, are loaded with hints. To which horizon are they headed? That they walk carrying nothing is another hint, as well as the heavy shadows beside two of the men. A lunch break? In the distance the hills unfold in a rhythmic array, and it would seem they intend to move toward a thread of stones.
— Emmanuel Iduma
I took this photograph while visiting a bentonite quarry in Hammam Boughrara, located in the western region of Algeria. Using my mobile phone camera and natural lighting, I patiently waited for the perfect moment to capture the individuals in motion, creating a cinematic scene that encapsulated the essence of the moment. This photograph represents my early days in photography, where I was still experimenting with different techniques and learning to capture compelling moments that reflect the beauty and complexity of the world around me.
My photographic project was born out of a desire to capture and convey a testament to the people and the climate in which I work. This photograph, taken in a quarry, depicts the beginning of this journey. Through my lens, I sought to reveal both the harsh reality in these places and my own inner perspective of it. Continuing to document the geography and humanity of these places, I began to understand how my own experiences and perceptions were intimately connected to the world around me. This photograph, and the project it inspired, allowed me to witness what surrounds me in a deep and meaningful way.
As a documentary photographer, I am passionate about exploring subjects that reflect our human condition and our relationship with the environment around us. Through my photographs, I seek to tell stories that evoke emotions, provoke reflection, and offer a unique perspective on life. My photographic work is a testament to my generation, and I aspire to capture authentic and meaningful moments of daily life. My artistic approach is characterized by a black and white aesthetic, without artifice or overload, which allows me to express myself to the fullest and convey intense emotions through my images.
— Mohamed Fouad Semmache
Tender Photo is collaborating with Through The Lens Collective to present photographs from Post-Card Africa, a project designed to create new and insightful responses to the history of African representation through photography. Images such as Aina Zo Raberanto’s “Cyclo-Pousse,” taken in Antsirabe, Madagascar, evoke a new local archive, by approaching creative agency and shared opportunity for local representation as an important framework for actively engaging the continent’s very complex history and representation. Read more about the project here.
Fouad was born and raised in Algeria. Through the photographic medium, he delves into the essence of the human experience, exploring the complex interplay between individuals, their environment, and their emotions. See more of his work on Behance and Instagram. Also read more on “Out of the Shadows” in this interview with Photoforum Pasquart (in French).
