Mosque, Komio, Mali, 1999

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James Morris , British, b.1963

Title

Date2003

MediumToned gelatin silver print

Dimensions

30.5 × 40.5 cm

Signedon verso, lower right: J. MORRIS

Credit LinePresented, Zelda Cheatle, 2024

Object numberNGI.2024.71.20

DescriptionThis photograph belongs to a series of works titled ‘Butabu’ that explores the culture of adobe architecture from the Sahal region of West Africa. Adobe architecture uses local materials - earth, soil and rocks - to form a structure. Morris reflects on the inspiration for this project, saying: “In the West, mud is seen, effectively, as dirt. Yet in rural Africa (as in so much of the world) it is the most common of building materials with which everybody has direct contact. The maintaining and resurfacing of buildings is part of the rhythm of life, there is an ongoing and active participation in their continuing existence. These are not pieces in a museum or cultural theme park.”
This image is part of a portfolio of 30 photographs published by Zelda Cheatle in 2003 to celebrate 15 years of exhibitions in her London gallery. The artists included in this collection reflect Cheatle’s aim to highlight the work of important twentieth century photographers while at the same time exhibiting and supporting emerging artists. The photographs range from digital prints to silver gelatin prints and cyanotypes.
Inscriptionon verso, lower right: Komio Mosque, Mali. 1999/ J. MORRIS/ 5
ProvenancePresented, Zelda Cheatle, 2024Exhibition HistoryZelda Cheatle Gallery , London, 2003