Celebrating Changemakers in a new exhibition

16.10.2024

A brand new exhibition celebrating the work of the Kenyan photo-journalist, Mohamed Amin and the creative responses to his photographs will open at the National Library of Wales on 19 October 2024, to coincide with Black History Month.

At the heart of the Changemakers exhibition are a selection of Mohamed Amin’s images of influential people that led the march to nationhood and freedom, such as Nelson Mandela, Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X.

The exhibition also showcases the work of 3 contemporary artists – the Welsh Egyptian photographer, Mo Hassan; the Welsh Somali poet, actor and community activist, Ali Goolyad; and the Black Welsh artist and writer, director and creator Kyle Legall - as they each respond creatively to the images through the mediums of photography, poetry and painting.

The project was led by Horn Development Association (HDA) and funded by Welsh Government and the Arts Council of Wales. It seeks to show the nature of change in the 20th century - a time of the reshaping of continents after two World Wars leading to a migration of people who came to live and work in Wales for sanctuary, showing the role of Black and Ethnic Minority people in International and Welsh society.

The exhibition will include poetry by Ali Goolyad that locate the 20th century contribution of `migrant' communities that have come to Wales; portraits by Mo Hassan of 'migrant' Welsh people that are a central part of society in Wales; and a painting by Kyle Legall that explores the themes in Mohamed Amin’s work.

Rhodri Llwyd Morgan, Chief Executive of the National Library of Wales said:
“It’s a huge honour to display a selection of photographs by one of the most eminent photographers of the 20th century. I welcome also the opportunity to share these new works by Mo Hassan, Ali Goolyad and Kyle Legall, which is another step towards ensuring that our activities and exhibitions fully represent the diversity of Welsh society and culture.”

Jamie Baker, of Horn Development Association said:

"The story of Wales is one of welcome, and its continuously developing history and culture reflect that story. HDA and the talented artists and communities we work with are proud to be a part of a nation that provides safety and opportunity, a nation that is our home. Working with the National Library enables us to place our stories alongside the history of our home, Wales."

--ENDS--

** Mae'r datganiad yma hefyd ar gael yn y Gymraeg**

The National Library of Wales Media Contact
Rhodri ap Dyfrig, Head of Marketing and Audiences  
rhodri.apdyfrig@llyfrgell.cymru  / 07521761762

Notes for editors

About the National Library of Wales

The National Library of Wales is a library for Wales and the world. Located in Aberystwyth, it is the home of the story of Wales.

Opened in 1907, the Library is the centre of research into the culture and heritage of Wales and the Celtic nations.

The purpose of the Library is to make our culture and heritage accessible for everyone to learn, research and enjoy.

We are a legal deposit library, which means we are entitled to a copy of every print publication in Britain and Ireland, but our collections also include the following:

• 7,000,000 feet of film
• 250,000 hours of video
• 6,000,000 books and newspapers
• 40,000 manuscripts
• 1,500,000 maps
• 150,000 hours of sound
• 950,000 photographs
• 60,000 works of art
• 1,900 cubic meters of archives

You can search the collections online. You will find further information along with a list of resources on our website.

MORE ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Mohamed Amin
Mohamed Amin (1943–1993) was a Kenyan photojournalist who became famous for documenting the Ethiopian famine in 1984 which had a powerful impact in mobilising a global response leading to the iconic Live Aid concert in 1985.

He also undertook a significant and ground-breaking body of work documenting Africa, Asia and the Middle East throughout the second half of the twentieth century.

Mo Hassan
Mohamed Hassan is a Welsh Egyptian photographer. Originally from Alexandria, he has lived and worked in Pembrokeshire since 2007, and obtained a 1st class honours from Carmarthen School of Art. His work has been exhibited at the prestigious Mission Gallery, the Waterfront National Museum Wales, Nova Cymru 2018, and the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Ali Goolyad
Ali Goolyad is a Welsh Somali poet, actor and community activist. Born in Hargeisa, Somaliland, Ali migrated to Wales aged 1. Previous work includes writing and performing in De Gabay (National Theatre Wales), Border Game, Storm 2, Big Democracy Project (National Theatre Wales), Borderland (Radio 4), Talking Doorsteps (Roundhouse), Mattan Injustice of a Hanged Man (BBC), and Black and Welsh (BBC Wales).

Kyle Legall
Kyle Legall is a Black Welsh artist and writer, director, and creator of animation, filmmaking, theatre and graffiti murals, as well as designing and making his own clothing line.

Kyle has written, directed, designed and animated films for Channel 4 and S4C, makes music videos and cover art for local bands. In 2015, Kyle became the first artist in residence for National Theatre Wales.