Élise Fitte-Duval

Capturing the Rhythm of Contemporary Dance in Africa

Élise Fitte-Duval, a photographer with roots in Martinique and a profound connection to Senegal, has made significant strides in the world of photography with her keen eye for the vibrant and evolving landscape of contemporary dance in Africa. A graduate of the Ecole d’Arts Plastiques of Martinique and the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs of Paris, Fitte-Duval has dedicated her career to exploring the depths of artistic expression through her lens.

Fitte-Duval's work has been showcased in numerous group exhibitions across Africa, earning her critical acclaim and recognition within the art community. Her notable achievements include being named the best female African photographer in 2011 by Casa Africa at Bamako’s Photography Biennale for her poignant series "Vivre les pieds dans l’eau," which sensitively portrayed the challenges of floods in Dakar.

Since 2003, Fitte-Duval has been engrossed in the ongoing project "Danser l'Espoir," where she intimately follows contemporary dancers during their work sessions. This series is more than just a documentation of dance; it is an exploration of the spirit and evolution of contemporary dance across the African continent. Through her camera, Fitte-Duval offers an intimate look at the collaborative process and the shared aspirations of dancers from diverse backgrounds.

“It is about giving a view of the evolution of contemporary dance by staying close to the actors of this art, following the meeting between dancers from different countries around the continent. By including their choreographic work offstage it gives one an insight into the beginning of their art and shares the hope they have.”

Élise Fitte-Duval's photographic journey is a testament to the power of visual storytelling to transcend boundaries and connect cultures. Her dedication to capturing the essence of contemporary dance in Africa not only highlights the beauty and dynamism of this art form but also celebrates the resilience and creativity of its practitioners. Through her work, Fitte-Duval invites audiences to engage with the rich tapestry of African dance, offering a window into the souls of the dancers and the stories they tell through their movement.