The Ghanaian-born and based visual artist Prince Gyasi, who reached fame with his vibrant and powerful images, mostly shot in his hometown of Accra, is to photograph the 2024 Pirelli Calendar.
The 28-year-old, who has risen rapidly to global prominence, employs bold colours and contrast in his art. His images tell visual stories that capture the atmosphere and vibrancy of his community and generation while aiming to challenge traditional narratives about Africa, elitism in art and western-centered ideals of beauty.
Gyasi’s work is deeply personal in both subject matter and style. He favours locations in his home city and has shot many of his photo series in popular districts of Accra. Gyasi employs bright block colours and stark contrast in his images, often putting vivid reds, blues or pinks side-by-side with Blackness, celebrating and highlighting the beauty of Black African skin while presenting his home in an uplifting and inspiring way.
“I’m honoured that Pirelli has given me the opportunity to express my thoughts, feelings and emotions on their canvas for the 50th Calendar. Being the first African and Black artist behind the Pirelli Cal for 2024 has given me the chance to highlight some of the people who have inspired me over the years as a kid and as an adult. Representation and culture are very important to me, therefore, for the first time in the Calendar’s history, I have decided that part of the project will take place in my country Ghana.”
“Pirelli has always been attentive to the language of photography and its evolution. We see in the shots of the young artist Prince Gyasi a new language transmits positive energy and powerful messages, which also speaks tothe new generations. His work reveals an original aesthetic; it is a journey into colour within a world of unique characteristics.”
Next year’s Pirelli Calendar will be the 50th edition, following the launch of the original in 1964. Gyasi’s turn behind the lens comes after that of Australian fashion photographer Emma Summerton, who shot 2023’s Love Letters to the Muse-themed Calendar featuring models including Cara Delevingne, Precious Lee and Adut Akech. Gyasi is the 40th photographer to shoot the Calendar and among the youngest. He follows previous Calendar photographers including Norman Parkinson, Herb Ritts, Helmut Newton, Peter Beard, Mario Testino and Patrick Demarchelier.
Each artist has brought their own style and signature to The Cal, ensuring constant evolution and innovation. Now Gyasi is joining the list of greats and it’s clear he will bring his own vibrant stamp to the 2024 edition.
ph credit:from the backstage of Prince Gyasi’s 2024 Pirelli Calendar, photo by Alessandro Scotti)
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