The African Artists’ Foundation (AAF) and the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) announce its photography collaboration soon.
“Men and Love in Times of Conflict and Polarisation” is a groundbreaking project that redefines traditional perceptions of masculinity through the lens of photography. Presented by the African Artists’ Foundation in collaboration with WILPF, this project explores the often-overlooked emotional landscapes of men during times of conflict, societal upheaval, and division. The project challenges long-held stereotypes of men as solely stoic or aggressive, instead highlighting their capacity for compassion, empathy, vulnerability, and resilience.
The project is part of WILPF’s ongoing “Mobilising Men for Feminist Peace” campaign, which has previously focused on themes like “Militarised Masculinities and Alternatives” in 2022. These projects have explored the complex emotional landscapes of men, promoting themes of care, empathy, and vulnerability.
It builds on the legacy of previous WILPF exhibitions in Geneva (2022) and Colombia (2023) and will expand to 7 other cities by the end of the year, including Thailand. The latest iteration in 2024, “Men and Love in Times of Conflict and Polarisation,” aims to expand the dialogue around gender roles by providing a platform that engages with the intricacies of male identity, love, and conflict.
The June 2024 edition featured renowned international photographers like Matthieu Paley (France), Aisha Nazar (Malaysia), Jodi Bieber (South Africa), Mariette Pathy Allen (United States), Micha Serraf (Zimbabwe), Tracey Shelton (Australia), Mouneb Taim (Syria), Slava Novikov (Russia), Ines Gil (France), and Islam Gul (Pakistan). Their works explored themes of compassion, resilience, and vulnerability, challenging hypermasculine ideals and broadening narratives around gender and identity.
This project seeks to confront widely circulated stereotypes of men as inherently aggressive, hypersexual, and supporters of war, while also celebrating their potential to be empathetic, caring, and ardent supporters of peace and equality. Through evocative photography, this open call invites photographers to capture the evolving narratives of men who are actively reshaping their identities and relationships in ways that promote non-violence, care, and feminist principles.
Call for Submissions:
We invite Nigerian photographers to submit works that creatively and powerfully engage with these themes, helping to foster a broader understanding of masculinity in a world marked by conflict and transformation. Your submissions will contribute to a dialogue that promotes non-violence, empathy, and a redefined vision of masculinity that aligns with WILPF’s mission to challenge militarised masculinity and create more inclusive gender narratives.
Key Dates:
- Submissions Open: October 8, 2024
- Submission Deadline: October 25, 2024
- Final Selection Announcement: November 10, 2024
Submission Details:
Submit your work via this link: Submission Form
Why This Matters: The project aligns with WILPF’s core vision to promote gender equality, peace, and justice. By participating, photographers have the opportunity to challenge outdated norms and help redefine masculinity—portraying men as multifaceted individuals who embody care, compassion, and a commitment to peace in their communities and beyond.
About the Organizers: This project is a collaborative effort between the African Artists’ Foundation (AAF), a leading platform for contemporary African art, and the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), the world’s longest-standing women’s peace organisation founded in 1915. Together, they seek to dismantle harmful stereotypes and promote narratives that inspire positive change and gender equality.
For further information or inquiries, please contact us at info@africanartists.org.
