BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Microsoft Corporation//Outlook 11.0 MIMEDIR//EN METHOD:PUBLISH BEGIN:VEVENT CLASS:PUBLIC DTSTAMP:20260408T203933Z UID:10000949-1770921000-1770928200@griffinmuseum.org-1775680773@towncommon.org DTSTART:20260212T233000Z DTEND:20260213T013000Z SUMMARY:Lou Jones | PanAFRICA Project Talk & Book Signing DESCRIPTION:The Griffin Museum is thrilled to have Boston based photographer Lou Jones in Winchester to talk about his expansive opus on the African continent\, the PanAFRICAProject. Man sitting at a restaurant in Katutura\, NamibiaHerero tribe woman sitting in the shade in Epukiro\, NamibiaWorkers with a truck carrying Okoume plywoodLiving room of small family home within Kibera slum. Kibera\, KenyaNewspapers running through a printing press at The Namibian in Windhoek\, NamibiaFemale factory worker cutting steel wire in Matsapha\, Eswatini/SwazilandWomen hand weaving a rug. Piggs Peak\, Eswatini About the project - Jones's current and most expansive endeavor\, the panAFRICAproject\, is an ambitious\, country-by country photographic journey redefining how the world sees Africa. Designed to confront and correct outdated stereotypes\, the project offers a contemporary visual portrait of the continent--one grounded in empowerment\, vibrancy\, and modernity. Rather than echoing the reductive narratives of poverty\, conflict\, and disease often perpetuated by Western media\, the work highlights Africa's innovation\, culture\, and complexity from an informed\, authentic\, and embedded perspective. Across years of extensive travel throughout the continent--including a recent trip to Uganda in 2024--Jones has documented subjects that form the backbone of contemporary African life: industry\, education\, healthcare\, agriculture\, sports\, music\, natural resources\, and infrastructure. These are the often-overlooked engines of growth that reveal Africa as one of the most progressive regions of the 21st century. Each country\, region\, and community holds a distinct identity\, and through close collaboration with local leaders\, citizens\, and cultural advisors\, Jones aims to portray this diversity with nuance and respect. The project is rooted in a lifetime of perseverance and deep engagement. Jones's career has taken him from death row to war zones\, through experiences with pregnancy\, racism\, and personal challenge--all of which inform the sensitivity and determination he brings to his work. By immersing himself within the communities he photographs and building long-term relationships\, he gains the trust necessary to create storytelling that is both accurate and profoundly human. Photography\, as a universal language\, allows these stories to transcend borders\, cultures\, and languages. Employing a documentary style that incorporates long exposures and deep focus--both literally and metaphorically--the panAFRICAproject seeks to expose the full spectrum of life across the continent. It holds a mirror to modern African society\, celebrating the everyday spirit\, innovation\, tradition\, and progress as defined by Africans themselves. The project has already gained significant traction. The first volume--featuring Tanzania\, Lesotho\, Ghana\, and Eswatini--is nearly sold out and has been showcased in schools\, galleries\, museums\, and commercial spaces. The second volume spotlights Morocco\, Namibia\, Burkina Faso\, and Ethiopia\, continuing its exploration of education\, infrastructure\, music\, and sports. Still in its early stages\, the panAFRICAproject is a long-term commitment to truth\, beauty\, and representation. Its mission is to build a comprehensive visual archive of all 54 African nations\, free from external bias and rich in cultural authenticity. The project continues to grow\, with limitless potential for impact\, connection\, and discovery. About Lou Jones - Lou Jones is a Boston-based photographer with a diverse career that has evolved from commercial work to personal projects. Since 1973\, he has operated a commercial studio in Boston\, collaborating with Fortune 500 companies\, local businesses\, and international clients such as Federal Express\, Nike\, and KLM. He has also completed assignments for top publications\, including National Geographic and Time/Life\, and covered 13 Olympic Games. Jones' long-term projects include documenting civil wars in Central America\, death row\, and pregnancy. His work has taken him to 65 countries and 48 U.S. states\, and he's published multiple books showcasing his impactful photography. He has been a highly influential figure in the photography community\, serving on the boards of organizations such as the American Society of Media Photographers and the Griffin Museum of Photography. He also co-founded the Center for Digital Imaging Arts at Boston University and conceived several prestigious photography awards. Jones' accolades include recognition from Communication Arts Magazine and Nikon\, which named him a Legend Behind the Lens. His work has been exhibited in institutions like the Smithsonian\, DeCordova Museum\, and Boston City Hall. His photography is also part of private collections at Harvard University\, Boston Athenaeum\, Fitchburg Art Museum\, the Boston Public Library\, and the University of Texas. A respected educator and lecturer\, Jones has presented at major events such as PhotoPlus Expo and the Ford Hall Forum\, and has been interviewed by numerous radio programs\, artist organizations\, and cultural institutions. He has also taught at institutions including the Massachusetts College of Art. His publications include Final Exposure: Portraits from Death Row (1996 & 2002)\, Travel + Photography (2006)\, panAFRICAproject\, Volume 1 (2020)\, and panAFRICAproject (2025). He recently released the second volume of his panAFRICAproject photobook. Jones is currently focused on his ongoing panAFRICAproject\, documenting the African continent\; most recently\, he traveled to Uganda in 2024. His recent honors include a 2024 Mass Cultural Council Grant and recognition as a Boston Memory Maker by the Old South Meeting House for his contributions during Boston's bicentennial. LOCATION:Griffin Museum of Photography\, 67 Shore Road\, Winchester\, MA 01890 URL:https://griffinmuseum.org/event/lou_panafrica/ CATEGORIES:Cultural\,Education END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR