““Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression.”
”
In 2014, New York City-based photographer and activist, Louise Rita Contino, relocated to Uganda for four months to create the Wanteete Photo Collective (WPC). Louise distributed 35mm cameras to 17 local community members in a rural village called Wanteete, and engaged the WPC in three months of intensive photographic training.
Previously no one in the WPC had ever seen a camera before. However, despite the lack of running water or any temperature control whatsoever, by the project's conclusion 180 rolls of film were shot and developed in the field. What emerged was a captivating and deeply personal story about daily life in rural East Africa, as seen through the subjects' own eyes.
Both the process and product of Picturing Wanteete emphasize the importance of empowerment and collective action in the context of international development. The WPC members built their own capacity as storytellers and took charge of how they want to be represented internationally. Their images reflect a community that is civically engaged, cohesive, and confident.
Exhibitions:
Brian Morris Gallery, Solo Show, (New York City, USA), April 2015
Segal Family Annual Summit Meeting, Featured Artwork, (Arusha, Tanzania), July 2014
LaBa! Arts Festival, Festival Entry, Goethe-Institut Worldwide (Kampala, Uganda), June 2014
East African Fashion Awards, Featured Artwork (Kampala, Uganda), May 2014
Prunes Cafe, Showcase Exhibition (Kampala, Uganda), May 2014
