Buzz
Please be advised that some of the images in this collection contain partial nudity. Mario Gerth is likely best known for his stunning black and white photographic series of Africa and its people. While these photographs are undeniably captivating, something is inevitably lost when color is stripped away. Africa is undeniably one of the most vibrant continents, especially evident in the traditional attire and body adornments of her people. This compilation highlights twenty extraordinary examples of Africa's cultural diversity through the vibrant lens of color.
Mario Gerth is a fascinating photographer, balancing a full-time banking career with his photography pursuits—much like American composer Charles Ives, who worked as an insurance salesman while composing some of the most influential classical music of the twentieth century. Based in Germany, Gerth has traveled to over sixty-five countries in pursuit of his photographic craft. His work is featured in numerous magazines and international exhibitions.
All images in this collection are copyrighted Mario Gerth. Many of his iconic black and white photos can be found on his Flickr page, which I highly recommend exploring.
Instead of providing commentary on each image, I have simply listed the name, tribe, or region associated with each individual featured in the photographs.
20. Natu
19. A Suri Child from Kibbish, Ethiopia
18. Nao
17. A Close-Up of Nao
16. A Surma (Suri) Man Portrait
15. Mumuhuila Mother
14. A Different Mumuhuila from Southern Angola
13. Another Suri Child Portrait
12. Nashta, located in the Omo River region of Ethiopia.
11. Nibrguo, situated along the Omo River.
10. Matutui, situated along the Omo River.
9. The Angolan Hairstyle.
8. Shy Mumuhuila Girl.
7. Samburu Girl from Northern Kenya.
6. Surma Girl.
5. A strong Mumuhuila mother.
4. Mursi woman adorned with a lip plate.
3. Thoningele, a Mumuhuila mother.
2. A young Surma boy.
1. Surma lady.
+ Black & White.
As an added bonus, I felt it was important to include at least one of Gerth’s black and white photographs, if only to illustrate how the depth of the human experience can be captured without the use of color. This specific image was taken in the Omo Valley, Ethiopia.
