Don Barber and the Art of Embracing New Trends
Initially wary of digital photography, a prominent Nigerian photographer now organises a cell phone photography competition. Okechukwu Uwaezuoke reports
Surprising—isn’t it?—that Don Barber, the photography legend, who, besides being as seasoned as they come, is also deeply rooted in analogue ways, has now taken to organising a mobile phone photography competition, despite his previous aversion to digital techniques! And to think that digital photography—once a subject hardly worthy of his attention, let alone his interest—has suddenly become the focal point around which an informal discussion that sultry afternoon is swirling! Indeed, his ongoing mobile phone photography competition, which is precisely the topic of the conversation with his host, is a new project that is obviously at odds with his traditional views. Now, isn’t it a delightful irony that the once-dismissed technology is now becoming the headstone of his evolving creative journey?
Of course, it’s not as though people have not been known to change along with their opinions! Yet, the man, who used to run the iconic Don Barber Studios along an arterial thoroughfare in the Lagos mainland neighbourhood of Surulere, had his reasons for remaining sceptical about going digital for a very long time. One of the reasons, he tells his interlocutor, was “because when the digital types started coming out, a 35 mm slide scanned at a high resolution at that time, which was shot with the lowest and cheapest film camera, was giving you about 5000 MB of imagery, whereas the digital cameras that were coming out at that time had two mega pixels.”
In his previous firm resolve to preserve the essence of art in its purest form, he has adamantly resisted change, even if it meant risking becoming stuck in his own established ways. Perhaps, it is a consolation that he finds solace in the company of individuals like Akinbode Akinbiyi, who, residing in Germany, comfortably shuns current trends owing to his privileged access to funding.
Still, his willingness to adapt didn’t sprout overnight; it was a gradual process influenced by his frequent journeys to the UK, where he delved into the realm of photography. It was here that he confronted the reality that esteemed professionals he admired—individuals who were in their sixties while he was in his forties—were gradually transitioning to digital photography. Notable among them was David Bailey, the renowned British photographer celebrated for his captivating images of celebrities and musicians, notably the Rolling Stones, during the vibrant eras of the 1960s and 1970s.
Back to the mobile phone photography competition, whose theme this year revolves around the world of football. It is titled the Mobile Phone Photography and
Arts Competition Awards and is fondly known by its abbreviation, MPPACA. Held bimonthly, it offers a dazzling array of rewards, including cash prizes exceeding N1 million and trendy mobile phones for the winners. This creative extravaganza, which embraces a wide spectrum of football-themed snapshots, aims for innovation and expects submissions to capture anything under the sun that is related to football—be it a roadside stall flaunting football gear or a commercial motorcycle rider donning a Ronaldo jersey. As the competition drums up excitement, participants are nudged to defy conventions. The call to action? “Think out of the box!”
According to the seasoned sixtysomething-year-old, the essence of this competition is to ignite the creative spark within participants by championing the power of visuals and aesthetics across Nigeria. “Our goal,” he says, “is to inspire people to let their imaginations run wild through imagery.” The event, initially launched in the pre-COVID era, faced a four-year hiatus before making a comeback. However, navigating the regulatory waters, including complying with the Nigerian Lottery Regulatory Commission’s stipulations, became a necessary twist due to the competition’s apparent lottery-like qualities.
At a pivotal moment, Barber has glimpsed the dawn of photography’s future inside the crystal ball of mobile phone technology—a realm he can no longer dismiss. “They’ve evolved into such versatile tools, some even capturing documentaries,” he muses in a nod to their revolutionary impact on his profession.
This is one reason why he passionately encourages youths, those flying the flags of Gen-Z and millennials, to rethink their cell phones as cool tools for making money rather than squandering precious data on frivolities.
Meanwhile, the ongoing competition, clearly inspired by similar UK newspaper competitions, is on the lookout for partners. Presently, it’s a joint effort with Dayo Adedayo, a fellow photographer.
Naturally, Barber hasn’t completely abandoned analogue practices; he recognises their enduring value in our contemporary landscape. In fact, he envisions a future where analogue techniques coexist harmoniously with digital innovations. Despite this, the majority of his artistic endeavours remain firmly rooted in the analogue realm. While he still welcomes commissions, his recent focus has shifted towards transforming his photographic works into compelling paintings. This entails employing AI to translate a photograph into a distinctive style reminiscent of Ben Enwonwu’s iconic paintings, leading to the creation and sale of unique and captivating art pieces.