The Jean Pigozzi African Art Collection

Leonce Raphael Agbodjelou : Code Noir, Jack Bell Gallery, London

from 16/01/2015 to 14/02/2015

Jack Bell Gallery presents a new body of work by Benin photographer, Leonce Raphael Agbodjelou. His ongoing portraiture project, ‘Citizens of Porto-Novo,’ captures the people of Benin’s capital. Using a medium format camera and shooting on location with natural light, Agbodjelou interprets the experience of a generation caught between tradition and progress.

Entitled ‘Code Noir’, this new series delves deeper into Benin’s turbulent slave trade history. Code Noir was a French colonial decree and guide to managing slaves. The decree suggested punishments for crimes such as attempted escape, advocated extreme discipline over slaves and legitimized corporal punishment.
Link to the exhibition website