Young Hamer Woman, 2009

John Kenny  

Markets are the lifeblood of social interaction in the Omo valley as they bring together widely scattered groups for a few hours each week. For the remainder of their time, many families live with their animals in isolated settlements and follow semi-nomadic patterns of movement. As a result, markets in the Omo valley are as much about animated conversations, passing on news, and looking good, particularly for the young and eligible, as they are about buying and selling of goods. People head towards them from very early in the morning, commonly walking for hours along the well worn trails that serve as informal roads.

This young woman was wandering through the market with her mother, who she walked closely behind. Most of the other girls of her age were gathered in groups but she had a sense of vulnerability that seemed to set her apart.

John Kenny’s work is all shot on location in some of the remotest corners of Africa. His images are all taken with natural light and his subjects in their day to day attire.

C-type photograph with a UV-protective acrylic face mount and metal subframe. The piece is hung from the subframe and sits away from the wall. The standard acrylic has a gloss finish. Other sizes are also available if you would like more information please enquire.