An exhibition at Bradford’s Impressions Gallery showcases the work of a new generation of photographers from across Africa

Africa State of Mind, curated by writer and broadcaster Ekow Eshun, showcases the work of 13 young photographers from across Africa and its diaspora who question notions of ‘Africanness’ to present powerful and vibrant images of people, places and, by extension, psychological spaces.

“The exhibition challenges stereotypical images of Africa made by westerners,” says associate curator Anglea Sheard. “Since its invention, photography has played a major role in shaping the western view of Africa, particularly in a colonial context. More recently, photojournalism tends to present the continent as a place of chaos, corruption and disease. The artworks in the exhibition overturn these perceptions, sometimes in quite playful ways.”

The exhibition is divided up into three thematic sections – Zones of Freedom which addresses the fluidity of gender and sexual identity; Inner Landscapes drawing on the artists’ memories and individual interests to reveal interpretations of Africa, past and present; and Hybrid Cities which explores the complexities and contradictions of modern African cities.

“At Impressions we’re interested in showing different perspectives on the world and giving a platform for different voices,” says Sheard. “Contemporary African photography isn’t well known in this country despite it being really inventive and powerful.”

The photographers, selected by Eshun, represent a broad range of African countries – including Ethiopia, Madagascar, Nigeria, Ghana and Angola – and are from a variety of creative practices – such as fashion, archictecture and performance – as well as art and photography. “Ekow was drawn to a younger generation of emerging talent who were aware of the stereotypes and common misconceptions about Africa and were keen to challenge them,” says Sheard.

The diverse ways in which those misconceptions are interrogated – from Athi-Patra Ruga’s elaborately staged scenes and Kiluanji Kia Henda’s poses as a fictional ‘dandy dictator’ to Michael Tsegaya’s monochrome shots of rapidly expanding urban landscapes, Sabelo Mlangeni’s striking black and white portraits and Girma Berta’s series of images made using an iPhone – makes for a layered, thought-provoking and rewarding show. “It isn’t trying to be a definitive statement on Africa and African photography,” says Sheard. “That’s far too wide and diverse for a single exhibition – it offers a range of viewpoints.”

From the intimate and personal spaces of Lebohang Kganye’s restaging of old family photographs to documentary snapshots of dance halls and street protests, this is a show that expands the mind – after walking around the gallery, you really do feel as though you have been on a journey, both literal and figurative, across a continent.

“The response from visitors has been incredibly positive,” says Sheard. “We’ve had a few people saying this is their favourite exhibition at Impressions and lots of comments on the importance of the show in challenging common perceptions.”

At Impressions Gallery, Bradford to June 15. Free entry.