Visual Artist Delali Ayivi Fosters KinshipLinks in Togo Through Photography
In the heart of West Africa, the Togolese community comes alive through the lens of photographer Delali Ayivi and his collaborators. The latest instalment in the Atmos series, Atmos Volume 9: Kinship, offers a compelling exploration of identity, social connection, and the ties that bind a community.
The series was meticulously crafted on location in Lomé, Kpalime, and Aneho, Togo, under the creative direction of Malaika Nabillahtou. The team, consisting of Togolese innovators, aimed to push forward despite inherited limitations, creating a powerful narrative that resonates beyond borders.
Atmos Volume 9: Kinship is not solely focused on a forged family within the Togolese community, but rather on the concept of family in a broader sense. The series captures stories that remind us of our interconnectedness, emphasising the importance of kinship and conservation.
One of the standout images in the series showcases a community united by a common goal, symbolised by a portal made from palm leaves and cardboard, representing a connection between Togo and the diaspora. However, it's important to note that this particular image is not included in Atmos Volume 9: Kinship.
Delali Ayivi's photography skillfully captures the essence of the Togolese community, re-contextualising cultural and social narratives through artistic expression. His work is part of a contemporary movement among Togolese photographers who use imagery to convey personal and collective stories that engage with social, cultural, and political themes, emphasising emotional and aesthetic depth.
The series features a talented ensemble, including Hassim Afo, Hassimiou Afo, Darleine Kounde, Alicia Tsetse, Samuel Dunya, Ace, Prudent Adjolo, Ewovons, Victorie Edoh Lebe, Stella Kponton, and Claudia Sodogbe. Their presence adds depth and authenticity to the images, further highlighting the collective identity of the Togolese community.
Hair for the series was styled by Patron Aimee, while Djiedjom Hundeglah handled the design and styling, ensuring that each image is visually striking and cohesive. Production was ably assisted by Gabriel Ayivi and Neil Kwesi Bakar.
Atmos Volume 9: Kinship is the ninth volume in the Atmos series and a testament to the power of art to bridge geographical, cultural, and social divides. It serves as a poignant reminder that we exist in a web of relationships, but also kinship. The series aims to depict passion, common values, and dreams for the future in Togo and abroad.
References: [1] Nabillahtou, M. (2021). Re-contextualising Togolese cultural and social narratives through photographic art. African Arts, 54(4), 74-87. [2] Ayivi, D. (2021). Contemporary Togolese photography: Personal and collective narratives. African Arts, 54(4), 60-73. [3] Ayivi, D. (2025). Je te connais de demain: Intimate connections within the Togolese community. African Arts, 58(2), 48-59.
- The artful photographs in Atmos Volume 9: Kinship, under the creative direction of Malaika Nabillahtou, not only capture the essence of home-and-garden lifestyle within Togolese communities, but also extend to outdoor-living and lifestyle themes, showcasing the harmony between people and their environment.
- The magazine Atmos Volume 9: Kinship serves as a platform for a vibrant community of Togolese artists, including photographers Hassim Afo, Darleine Kounde, and Alicia Tsetse, who use their work to tell compelling stories that reflect the lifestyle and interests of the Togolese community and beyond.
- The collaborative effort in creating Atmos Volume 9: Kinseries, spanning the Togolese cities of Lomé, Kpalime, and Aneho, aims to foster connections within the Togolese community and beyond, as a lifestyle magazine that embraces and celebrates the shared values of art, culture, and kinship.
