Carlos Idun-Tawiah Ghanaian, b. 18/5/1997

Carlos Idun-Tawiah b. 1997 is a Ghanaian artist, photographer and filmmaker based in Accra, Ghana.

Inspired by archival treasures from the African continent, Carlos seeks to highlight and reimagine its dynamic landscapes, seamlessly weaving together fiction and non-fiction, past and present, memory and imagination.

His photographs are distinguished by their optimistic and uplifting themes, exploring youth, community, aging, friendship, faith, hope, and love.

Through his visual narratives, Carlos remains dedicated to authentically capturing the beauty and vibrancy of contemporary African life, telling its story with heartfelt sincerity and grace.

His creative process is deeply rooted in personal experiences and cultural memory, allowing him to craft stories that resonate with authenticity and emotion.

His acclaimed series “Sunday Special” draws inspiration from his childhood memories of growing up in a Christian Ghanaian home.

In a similar vein, his series “Boys Will Always Be Boys” redefines traditional narratives of masculinity by celebrating tender, playful, and intimate moments of boyhood in Ghana. Through these works, he challenges stereotypes while offering a refreshing perspective on identity and connection.

Building on his exploration of family and identity, the artist’s series “Hero, Father, Friend” stands as a poignant tribute to his late father and a broader reflection on Black fatherhood.

Through a blend of lived experiences and imagined moments, the series reconstructs the bond between father and son, capturing both the tangible and ephemeral aspects of their relationship.

Drawing from personal memories, family connections, and archival inspiration, Idun-Tawiah not only confronts the absence left by his father's passing but also celebrates the enduring legacy of fatherhood.

With its warm, nostalgic tones and emotionally charged compositions, the series invites viewers to reflect on the universal themes of love, loss, and the unspoken ties that shape our lives.

Idun-Tawiah's work has garnered international acclaim for its vibrant storytelling and meticulous attention to color, texture, and gesture. Among his many accolades, he was awarded the Contemporary African Photography Prize (2023), the British Journal of Photography OpenWalls Arles Prize (2023), and the Belfast Photo Festival Spotlight Award (2023).

His evocative photography has been showcased at prestigious venues worldwide, including Art Basel Miami, Les Rencontres d'Arles, the Toronto International Film Festival, and the Phillips Auction in London. Through his lens, Carlos continues to celebrate African life by blending historical influences with contemporary narratives, creating deeply resonant works that honor Black culture and identity.

Carlos Idun-Tawiah brings a fresh perspective to Alta’s distinguished roster of fine art photographers. His first exhibition with the gallery will be a solo show in Paris, with dates to be announced soon.