Exhibition Opening and Talk of “Obama: An Intimate Portrait”, Images by Pete Souza,former Chief Official White House Photographer

“We want to improve the ecosystem of visual storytelling and education” Paul Ninson, Director, Dikan Center.

“Obama: An Intimate Portrait,” a solo exhibition by Pete Souza, curated by Paul Ninson and Alice Gabriner, made its historic debut at the Dikan Center on the 18th of November, 2023.

The commencement of the exhibition featured a talk by Pete Souza; Former Chief White House Photographer of former U.S President Barack Obama and Alice Gabriner; Photo editor - TIME, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Souza shared captivating stories of his interactions with President Obama and the first family during his tenure as their photographer. This dialogue underscored the profound significance of Souza’s work.

As the mastermind behind most of President Barack Obama’s iconic images, Souza recounted moments from accompanying him in crucial meetings, joining family trips, and, on occasion, respecting the need for privacy during personal family moments. Souza’s profound understanding of storytelling and photojournalism added a significant depth and insight to the photographs on display.

The U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia E. Palmer, who was also at the event, was delighted to view such an exciting display of works. “Photographs convey stories. One that deeply moved me depicts a black boy touching the head of the president. We are proud to have this wonderful photo editor, a man of talents” She said.

Obama’s legacy extends beyond his time in office, in part due to the dedication and meticulous care given by Souza in assembling such an intricate portrait of the former president. The images, in an exemplary display of photojournalism, capture the character of Obama throughout his presidency and the transparency he championed during his time in office.

In the context of Ghana’s democratic process and the upcoming 2024 election, Souza’s work becomes a call for responsible media communication. It advocates for accuracy, truthfulness, and transparency in storytelling. “Obama: An Intimate Portrait” stands as an illustration of taking the lead and shaping powerful narratives that transcend even politics.

The talk concluded with a Q&A session, where the community engaged with Pete Souza and Alice Gabriner. Souza, in his responses, emphasized the meticulous care dedicated to the art of photography. He highlighted the sensitivity required when portraying an individual of such high leadership stature, striking a balance between professionalism and empathy. Souza crafted a narrative of responsibility and intimate care, presenting a revolutionary documentation of the first black president in U.S. history.

The exhibition runs till February 18th, 2024, giving our community ample time to view and relive this groundbreaking presidency.