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On Grief, Art, and Finding Light Again with Michael Aboya
Manage episode 485384895 series 3665261
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Today’s guest is Michael Aboya, a self-taught Ghanaian photographer whose work doesn’t just capture images - it captures truth. With a lens attuned to emotion and a soul deeply invested in storytelling, Michael has emerged as one of Africa’s most celebrated visual artists. His photographs, rich with tenderness, dignity, and quiet power, have reframed how the world sees Black life, beauty, and being.
Following the loss of his father in 2016, Michael made a bold decision: to pursue photography with everything he had, understanding that life’s fragility demanded authenticity. What has followed is a body of work that is as intimate as it is iconic. From his internationally acclaimed “Songs of Freedom” to his evocative portraits of everyday Ghanaians, Michael creates imagery that feels like memory and prayer all at once.
He was the first Ghanaian artist featured on Adobe Lightroom’s splash screen, but more than accolades, it is his depth of presence, his reverence for his subjects, and his quiet devotion to truth that make him unforgettable.
Today, we sit with a man who doesn’t just take photos. He listens with his camera - and shows us who we are.
Buy the Limited Edition - Journey to the 8: https://www.issieditions.fr/en/products/michael-aboya-journey-to-the-8
Michael Aboya's Website: https://aboya8.com/
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00:00 Intro
01:08 The Impact of Personal Loss on Artistic Vision
11:03 The Journey to the Eight: Finding Purpose
15:13 Storytelling Through Imagery: The Emotional Connection
27:04 Reframing Narratives: The Beauty of Africa
30:43 Navigating Responsibility in Representation
34:12 Technical Mastery and Evolution in Photography
38:45 Songs of Freedom: A Powerful Image
42:42 The Importance of Community and Giving Back
44:47 Navigating Criticism and Finding Purpose
47:43 Reflections on Growth and Future Aspirations
51:50 The Healing Power of Photography
55:49 Whispers of Wisdom: Believing in Your Dreams
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Chapters
1. Intro (00:00:00)
2. The Impact of Personal Loss on Artistic Vision (00:01:08)
3. The Journey to the Eight: Finding Purpose (00:11:03)
4. Storytelling Through Imagery: The Emotional Connection (00:15:13)
5. Reframing Narratives: The Beauty of Africa (00:27:04)
6. Navigating Responsibility in Representation (00:30:43)
7. Technical Mastery and Evolution in Photography (00:34:12)
8. Songs of Freedom: A Powerful Image (00:38:45)
9. The Importance of Community and Giving Back (00:42:42)
10. Navigating Criticism and Finding Purpose (00:44:47)
11. Reflections on Growth and Future Aspirations (00:47:43)
12. The Healing Power of Photography (00:51:50)
13. Whispers of Wisdom: Believing in Your Dreams (00:55:49)
4 episodes
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