Arca and his son, Brazzaville

Maker Tamagni, Daniele Italian, 1975-2018

Date2007

MediumChromogenic development print

Dimensionsframe: 37 1/2 in x 47 in; paper: 26 in x 36 in

Credit LineMuseum purchase

Object number2015:62

About the ArtistDaniele Tamagni’s work depicts the Congolese La Société des Ambianceurs et Personnes Elégantes (La SAPE), which translates as the Society of Ambiance and People of Elegance (or Sapeur). Originating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Sapeur movement dates back to the early colonial era. Sapeurism derives from a variety of factors, including developments in popular culture, the imitation of Frenchmen, and the so-called acculturation of educated Black servants. Sapeurism is a complicated, performed, sociocultural movement of dandyism that intersects colonization, independence, class, identity, and fashion.

Tamagni was a photojournalist based in Italy. He has been included in many exhibitions around the world, such as at Danzigerprojects Gallery, New York (2011); Museum of Arts and Design, New York (2010-2011), and Artelier Gallery, Milan (2006).