Iconic portrait of Ly Dumas in a sumptuous Ndop outfit, signed by the talented Franco-Haitian artist Henry Roy, can be admired among a selection of his photographs put together for the Regards noirs exhibition. This exquisite collection of images was hosted in Paris, by The Little Africa Cultural Agency from June 3rd to Septembre 5th, 2023.

Henry Roy was born in Port-au-Prince, and for political reasons, his family emigrated to France when he was only three years old. He studied photography in Paris, became a photojournalist and published several photo albums. The first, Regards Noirs, printed in 1996 by Dagorno & L’Harmattan, is a compilation of black-and-white portraits of coloured personalities from different backgrounds. The exceptional photographs, the powerful texts written by the subjects, and Maryse Condé’s preface turn this album into a trail-blazing, militant book.

But let's hear Henry Roy’s own words: "The France of my youth (the 1970s and 1980s), was an ethnocentric republic. Advertising, television, and cinematography presented a grotesque image of Afro-descendants, often steeped in colonial stereotypes. The young people of African descent had no positive reference point other than 'white' to identify with, apart from a handful of athletes and musicians… Through my photo album, I wanted to create something with which those who shared my condition could identify. It was a political gesture, responding to a desire to compensate for the lack of representation of Afro-descendants in the French landscape. To affirm the presence of "my people" and their contribution to the development of this country, I chose to bring together women and men who have excelled in their field. I felt it was important not to limit myself to sportspeople and musicians. As a result, I have called on intellectuals, scientists and artists; all activities capable of reflecting a diversity of talents." Alongside Ly Dumas, Maryse Condé, Donald Cardwell, Katoucha Niane, Euzhan Palcy, Hubert Koundé, Idrissa Ouedraogo, Manuela Dikoumé, Mc Solaar, Princess Erika, and Sanvi Panou were also photographed.

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