Leonce Raphael Agbodjelou was exposed to photography at an early age. As the son of world-renowned photographer Joseph Moise Agbodjelou, he’d often assist his dad with the technical elements of shooting, before going on to work alongside him and later honor his photographic style through work of his own. Like Joseph, Leonce focuses his work on the everyday people of Porto-Novo, Benin, where he grew up. But unlike his dad, Leonce’s work captures the West African nation on the precipice of modernity, where traditional robes and ceremonial dresses are accessorized with sunglasses and gym-chiseled physiques. Leonce is the founder and director of the first photographic school in Benin and was appointed president of the Photographer's Association of Porto-Novo. His work has been exhibited at the likes of Saatchi Gallery London, Brooklyn Museum New York, Vitra Museum Basel, and Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
Stories with Leonce Raphael Agbodjelou