Pedro Camejo (série Diaspora)

from June 12th to July 28th

Identity and discovery lie at the heart of Omar Victor Diop’s Diaspora project. This photographic series reveals and deepens the narrative around the role of Africans outside of the African continent.

Inspired by historical portraits of prominent African figures who left their mark on global history, the artist draws parallels between their lives and his own, reflecting on heritage, legacy and the unique journeys of those who have traveled far or found themselves in foreign lands.

For the very first time, Omar Victor Diop places himself within his work. Drawing on the world of sports, football in particular, he explores the duality of a life marked by both fame and recognition, and by the persistent experience of being “the other.”

Pedro Camejo (1790–1821), known as “Negro Primero” or “The First Black,” was a Venezuelan soldier who fought alongside the rebel army during Venezuela’s war of independence. Rising through the ranks to eventually become a lieutenant, he earned his nickname from always being on the front line of battle. He was the only black officer in Simón Bolívar’s army.