| Works related to identity politics dealt with homosexuality, women’s rights and the social integration of albinos. These themes were incessantly discussed during the unofficial talks. In the end, however, a prize was officially given to Zanele Muholi from South Africa, who by way of her work advances the cause of homosexuals on the continent. In these endeavors, the jury rightly supported her. Another prize was given to the Congolese photographer Baudouin Mouanda, whose colorful and charming pictures of African dandies seem to be taken purely for their own sake. More of such non-didactic work would definitely have enriched the Biennial. Though, as Nigerian artist Uche Okpa Iroha’s images prove, engaged photography can certainly be beautiful. Iroha’s pictures take account of the situation of very poor people living under Lagos’ bridges. Especially his use of natural light adds a magical sphere to photographed scenes in which poverty may also exhibit grace. Bringing together the work of young talents and experienced professionals, the Bamako Encounters displayed a carefully chosen selection of high quality photographs from all over the continent. In so doing, it offered an exciting view on the contemporary state of photography-based African art — a view generally more refined and confident than that disseminated in the media. Principally, the works did not deny people’s tough living conditions; and yet, there was a lot of African pride to be encountered in the pictures. A selection of works from the biennial will travel over the course of the next two years; up to now the following venues are announced: Foto Museum Provincie Antwerpen, Johannesburg Art Gallery, National Gallery Cape Town, Fondation Gulbenkian in Lisbon. | 
