Biography
Ussi’n Yala is a 27-year-old self-taught photographer originally from Libreville, Gabon and currently based in Paris, France.
From an early age, he navigated through the art world by first cultivating a strong interest in music and drawing, before discovering in 2015 a real passion for photography.
Endowed with a strong sensitivity and aware that all forms of discrimination constitute a threat against living together, Ussi'n has found in fashion and portrait photography, an interesting tool allowing him to document and celebrate cultural, gender and sexual diversities in Africa and its diaspora.
He has worked with clients such as Adobe, and has seen his work exhibited internationally in Paris, London, Switzerland, Montreal and more.
For any inquiries and print requests, please contact ussin.yala@gmail.com
Artist Statement
In a context where homophobia & transphobia are growing in African communities, manifested by criminal repression, I find it important to document the lives of those who do not conform to gender and sex norms in order to change the idea that the notion of "queer" is imported and foreign to Africa.
This approach allows me to deconstruct stereotypes based on gender identity and beauty criteria as imposed by Western society and more particularly the media.
Through my photographs I express a desire for freedom, creation and self-assertion by portraying a generation of young queer Africans as we've never seen before.
2017
Group shows:
Prix Picto de la Mode - Palais Galliera, Paris, October, 2017
Bodies of the Earth - Centre of African Studies, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK, October, 2017 - March, 2018
Diaspora Speaking 2nd Edition - Artgang Montreal, Montreal CA, September, 2017
Solo shows:
Moadiga x Onze Home - Paris, April, 2017
2016
Group shows:
Moadiga x Afro Dinner - Paris, November, 2016
Solo shows:
AFRICAN ART FAIR 2016 - Gallerie Joseph Turenne, Paris, October, 2016.