Nous Sommes Ensemble: A Photographic Dossier of Senegal

Nous sommes ensemble translates to “we are together” in English. Although the language is French, the sentiments are undeniably African.

In this solo exhibition, documentarian photographer j.a. dennis utilizes photographic storytelling to expressively illustrate his thoughts and reflections on Senegal, which is based on his visit there in May and June of this year.

The show emphasizes the connection j.a. cultivated with the Senegalese land and people during his time there. Additionally, the exhibition depicts his new found understanding of African culture and its binding ties between Africans in Senegal and America.

From documenting the celebration of Tabaski (one of Senegal’s most widely celebrated national holidays) to capturing images of the slave castle on Goree Island, j.a.'s work explores the principles of Pan-Africanism and what it means for African-descent people to reinterpret their relationship with the continent.

As expressed to him plenty of times during his visit, j.a.'s work advocates to African-descent peoples distant that we all must remember that nous sommes ensemble.