In Burkina Faso, the artist Fasky uses photography to promote resilience and social engagement

Reported by Jean-Christophe Brunet. Originally published by Global Voices on 08 December 2024. This is an archived report; dates and circumstances refer to its original publication.

Across Africa, art events serve as powerful platforms for activists seeking to raise awareness about social issues and human rights.

Zerbo Siaka, also known as Fasky , is a photographic artist from Burkina Faso operating at the intersection of artistic expression and activist movements. The artist is also the director of the association Photo’age. Through this association, he is dedicated to passing on his photographic expertise to the next generation . His exhibition at the 13th edition of the cultural festival ‘ Les Récréâtrales ’ — a pan-African space for writing, creation, research, and theatrical dissemination — exemplifies the positive impact art can have on society.

A long-time participant in this significant gathering, Fasky shared his perspectives with Global Voices during Les Récréâtrales , explaining how he uses his photography as a tool to foster resilience and encourage social engagement.

Joel Hevi (JH): Could you tell us about what inspired your journey into photography and your role within the Photo’Age association?

Fasky (F) : I am Zerbo Siaka, also known as Fasky, a photographer from Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso . My journey into photography happened by chance. Initially, I aspired to be a rapper, but my path changed when I discovered photography while accompanying some French friends who were part of an association in Burkina Faso. They gifted me a camera, and that’s when photography became my passion. Today, through Photo’Age, I share this art with the younger generation, including internally displaced children, helping them to express themselves and showcase their realities.

JH: You presented a series of portraits of women at Les Récréâtrales. What message are you hoping to share through these woman-centric pieces?

F: For four years now, I have taken part in Les Récréâtrales . During this time, I have been fortunate to build strong connections with the women I photograph, most of whom are internally displaced [due to the widespread violence caused by terrorist attacks]. The theme of my exhibition, ‘We Shall Overcome,’ reflects their resilience in the face of crisis. These are women who, despite everything, hold on to hope and fight for their dignity. Through their portraits, I invite visitors to witness their strength and vulnerability. My hope is that beyond their faces, one can see a moving and inspiring humanity.

JH: Do you hope to initiate a dialogue about gender equality? What potential impacts could arise beyond the aesthetic appeal of your work?

F: Definitely, photography is for me a political and social act. These portraits are a statement advocating for gender equality and a tribute to these strong women and their struggles. I hope to raise awareness, to showcase their strength, and to emphasize the urgency of achieving equality. If my photographs can spark a debate and motivate others to stand up for these women's rights, they will have achieved their goal.

JH: What role does the Photo’Age association play in the West African photographic landscape, and which recent projects are especially close to your heart?

F: For me, Photo’Age serves as a platform for expression and exchange. Through initiatives like the Terre Ceinte [Fortified Earth] project [a cultural and artistic project aimed at combating violent extremism], we teach photography to young people and displaced children as a way for them to tell their stories. This approach allows them to redefine how they see themselves, claim their realities, and advocate for their rights. This is what we call ‘photographivism’ [photography + activism] — a commitment to using imagery as a catalyst for social change.

JH: You will soon be participating in the Month of Photography in Grenoble. What are your expectations for this event?

F: Taking part in the Month of Photography in Grenoble, France is a unique opportunity for me to share an authentic and often overlooked perspective of Africa. My project Reconfinement [Re-Lockdown], which explores how the pandemic-imposed lockdown was never truly experienced in Africa, offers a reflection on resilience and everyday life. The goal of this project is to establish a true human connection, encouraging the public to understand that for many in Africa, the realities of daily survival make physical and mental lockdowns almost unimaginable.

I expect the French audience, often exposed to more stereotypical or Westernized representations of Africa, to respond thoughtfully to this unfiltered reality. By showcasing these images of resilience and everyday life, I hope to challenge viewers with a different perspective on Africa — one that moves away from clichés and is deeply rooted in human and social realities.

This collective exhibition at La Rampe, alongside artists such as Jean-Claude Partouche , Sophie Romettino, and many others, feels like the perfect setting to initiate this dialogue. One of the most fascinating aspects of this event is the exchange it fosters, as well as the human stories behind each image. I believe this experience will be enriching for both the audience and us, the artists.

JH: Your photographic style conveys an intimate connection with your subjects. How do you manage to establish this trust, especially in often challenging situations?

F: Trust is at the heart of my work. The women I photograph know me; we have built relationships over time. The Terre Ceinte project allowed me to understand their lives and earn their trust. Before taking their pictures, I listen and respect their stories. This bond is reflected in their expressions in my photos — a sincerity that only patience and attentive listening can bring to life.

JH: What message do you hope to convey with your exhibitions?

F: The message is universal: our shared humanity connects us. The challenges in Ouagadougou are not so different from those in Grenoble. Through my exhibitions I aim to build a bridge between cultures, reminding us that despite our differences, we share common hopes and struggles. I hope visitors leave the exhibition with a fresh perspective and a newfound respect for lives that, while distant, are ultimately close to them in their shared humanity.

Image credit

Cover context image: Ouagadougou street in 2004. This archival or illustrative image is not presented as a photograph of the reported event. Creator: Syced. Original image and full attribution. License: CC0. Resized and compressed for web display; the image retains its stated license.

Publication credits

Written (Français) by Joel Hevi , Jean Sovon Translated (English) by Jean-Christophe Brunet. Original report published by Global Voices. Republished under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0. Adapted for Gistmax: formatting simplified; duplicate original-language quotations and embedded media omitted; cover photograph replaced. This republication does not imply endorsement of Gistmax by the author or publisher.