Albert Watson: 14 Days in Benin

• Aboubahkar, outside ‘Galerie d’Art Ancien et Moderne,' Tanguieta, Benin, 2011
  © Albert Watson
• Mere Adamou, 14 years old, Daoura, Peuhl Festival, Péhunco, Benin, 2011
  © Albert Watson
• Nahaume Ouielle, 8 ans, with Daba Dre Snakes, Temple Des Pythons, Ouidah, Benin, 2011
  © Albert Watson
• Cotton Farmers, Koulegou Field, Tanguieta, Benin, 2011
  © Albert Watson

The Rautenstrauch-Joest Ethnological Museum in Cologne is currently showing the exhibition "14 Days in Benin" by renowned fashion and portrait photographer Albert Watson. In support of the initiative "Cotton made in Africa" (CmiA) by the Aid by Trade Foundation, Watson photographed African smallholder farmers and their everyday environment.

The resulting series - an exclusive selection of 40 mesmerising photographs - provides insight into the lives of cotton farmers, as well as raising awareness about the work of CmiA. Watson´s photographs illustrate the initiative´s social and ecological goals, without ever  resorting to the stereotypes of rural Africa. His images are snapshots, capturing moments of the everyday reality of African cotton farmers - silent observations that take the viewer on a journey to Benin.

Further information at Museen-Köln