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Delali Ayivi: Celebrating Togolese Identity Through Photography

Jessica Proctor05 mins

Exploring the Creative Journey of Delali Ayivi

Influences and Inspirations

Togolese German photographer Delali Ayivi has garnered recognition for her striking images. A notable work titled The Joy of it All features a vibrant beach scene in Lomé, Togo. Ayivi attributes her artistic vision to the pioneering efforts of her great-great-grandfather, one of the first Togolese photographers.

Togolese German photographer Delali Ayivi has become known for her striking images, including 'The Joy of it All,' which shows a group of people at a beach in Lomé, Togo. She says she is inspired by the work of her great-great-grandfather, who was one of the first Togolese photographers.
Togolese German photographer Delali Ayivi has become known for her striking images, including The Joy of it All, which shows a group of people at a beach in Lomé, Togo. She says she is inspired by the work of her great-great-grandfather, who was one of the first Togolese photographers.

Legacy of Alex Agbaglo Acolatse

One of the remarkable figures in Togolese photography is Alex Agbaglo Acolatse, whose self-portrait from 1910 provides insight into the Togolese bourgeoisie during various colonial periods. His portraits not only showcase the elite but also share narratives about the cultural identity in Togo.

Alex Agbaglo Acolatse, shown in this self-portrait from 1910, was born in 1880 to an affluent family. His classical studio portraits captured the Togolese bourgeoisie during the German, French and British colonial periods.
Alex Agbaglo Acolatse, shown in this self-portrait from 1910, was born in 1880 to an affluent family. His classical studio portraits captured the Togolese bourgeoisie during the German, French and British colonial periods.

Acolatse’s Documentary Work

Acolatse’s documentary photography reveals life in Togo beyond its capital. His work features prominent images, such as a seated chief adorned with traditional prestige cloth, capturing the essence of social gatherings and cultural moments.

Acolatse's documentary photography gives an insight into life in Togo beyond the capital. This image shows a seated chief wearing a prestige cloth over his left shoulder, surrounded by men, women and children.
Acolatse’s documentary photography gives an insight into life in Togo beyond the capital. This image shows a seated chief wearing a prestige cloth over his left shoulder, surrounded by men, women, and children.

Ayivi’s Creative Collaborations

In 2019, Ayivi launched a project named Togo Yeye with her friend Malaika Nabilah, aiming to elevate Togolese talent both locally and abroad. Their collaboration has led to the exhibition of their art at Palais de Lomé during the event titled Racines de l’imaginaire.

In 2019, Ayivi created a project called Togo Yeye in collaboration with her friend Malaika Nabilah -- their aim to elevate Togolese talent both at home and in the diaspora. Since beginning their creative partnership, the pair have displayed their work at Palais de Lomé for the exhibition 'Racines de l'imaginaire.'
In 2019, Ayivi created a project called Togo Yeye in collaboration with her friend Malaika Nabilah — their aim to elevate Togolese talent both at home and in the diaspora. Since beginning their creative partnership, the pair have displayed their work at Palais de Lomé for the exhibition Racines de l’imaginaire.

Contributions to Togolese Representation

Ayivi emphasizes her desire to contribute to conversations around Togolese representation. Initially focusing on collaboration with young designers, her direction has transitioned toward fine art, showcasing diverse narratives and contemporary expressions.

When they first started out, Ayivi said they wanted to add to the conversation about Togolese representation. After working with a number of young designers, their focus has since shifted to fine art, as seen in this photograph from the same exhibition.
When they first started out, Ayivi said they wanted to add to the conversation about Togolese representation. After working with a number of young designers, their focus has since shifted to fine art, as seen in this photograph from the same exhibition.

Artistic Collaborations with Established Brands

Furthermore, Ayivi and Nabilah’s work has been featured on platforms like PhotoVogue and they have collaborated with brands such as Levi’s. In their partnership with Levi’s, they innovatively recreated Togolese folklore characters using second-hand jeans, merging contemporary fashion with cultural storytelling.

The pair have also had their work shown on the PhotoVogue platform and worked with brands including Levi's. In their Levi's collaboration, they recreated Togolese folklore and fairy tale characters using jeans from their local second-hand market.
The pair have also had their work shown on the PhotoVogue platform and worked with brands including Levi’s. In their Levi’s collaboration, they recreated Togolese folklore and fairy tale characters using jeans from their local second-hand market.


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