Exclusive Interview with Canadian Photographer Yannis Davy GuibingaDiscover the young, internationally acclaimed photographer that has emerged as a leading voice in contemporary photography.
MEET THE ARTIST YANNIS DAVY GUIBINGA
Meet the young, internationally acclaimed Canadian artist that has emerged as a leading voice in contemporary photography. His vibrant, neon-lit images celebrate the pride, courage, sensuality, and vitality of African culture—a tribute to a new generation of Africans embracing and flourishing in their roots.
You were born and raised in Libreville, Gabon. Can you tell us about your childhood, and how that influenced you path as an adult?
YDG: It was during these formative years that I developed an appreciation for storytelling and images. I believe this foundation shaped my interest in creativity and the arts, and even though photography came a bit later in life, my upbringing in Gabon has been a constant source of inspiration in my work. It’s reflected in my focus on amplifying the richness of African stories and traditions through a modern lens.
You currently live in Montreal but studied at the University of Toronto. How did you enjoy your time in Toronto, and what brought you to Montreal?
YDG: My time in Toronto was important in my artistic journey. It was there that I truly committed to photography as a serious craft, refining my skills and exploring my identity as an artist. Toronto’s vibrant multicultural environment and access to various art scenes allowed me to grow creatively. As for Montreal, it’s the city’s unique artistic energy and vibrant creative community that drew me here. Montreal feels like a natural extension of my journey—a city where I can merge my cultural influences and artistic aspirations seamlessly.
bodyblue
Your portrait photography has been described as a documentation for a new generation of Africans. Can you elaborate on what that means to you?
YDG: To me, this description reflects my desire to present African stories and perspectives in ways that honor the past but also look toward the future. I want my work to act as a bridge, connecting tradition and modernity, and showcasing the limitless potential of African creativity. It’s about redefining narratives, challenging stereotypes, and creating images that resonate with the lived experiences of Africans today.
The aesthetic of your work often includes highly stylized images, along with bright colours and contrast. Has this always been your signature, or did it develop over time?
YDG: This aesthetic has been an evolution. When I first started, I experimented a lot to find my voice. Over time, I discovered that bold colors, contrast, and intricate compositions allowed me to convey the emotional depth and vibrancy of the stories I want to tell. It’s become my signature style, but it’s also something I continue to refine with each project.
Tale of the First Sunrise I
For those who are interested in the technical aspects of your work, can you take us through a typical process of conceptualization through to actualization of an image or series?
YDG: My process begins with a story or idea that I want to communicate. I then dive into research, pulling inspiration from different art forms, such as theater, painting, or cultural history. Once the concept is clear, I plan out the visual elements like colors, lighting, and set design. During the shoot and the editing process, I let creativity flow and adapt to what feels natural, allowing for organic moments to shape the final outcome. The editing stage is where I critically refine the image, ensuring it aligns with the original vision while enhancing the emotional and visual impact.
Even at a young age, your career has had many highlights, including having your work shown at Art Basel, hosting a TED talk, and working with brands like Apple and Google. Despite that, it seems that most of your success has come outside of Canada. Do you see a specific reason for this? How do you think we can better support and promote the arts and artists within the country?
YDG: I think the reason my success has been more prominent outside of Canada is due to the global appeal of the themes in my work and the opportunities that come with connecting to larger international audiences. While Canada has a vibrant art scene, I feel there’s still room for growth in how we celebrate and support diverse voices. To better support artists, we need to invest more in promoting underrepresented creatives, fostering opportunities for international exposure, and creating platforms where unique perspectives can thrive.
007
What are some goals you'd like to achieve, whether that be in the near future or further down the road?
YDG: I’d love to continue pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling and expand into new mediums, such as multimedia installations and maybe paintings or films. I am also interested in curation and would like to explore that world further when the opportunities present themselves. Ultimately, I hope to inspire a new generation of artists to embrace their roots while exploring their creativity fearlessly.
Art in any form is about expression and connection. Ultimately, what do you want viewers of your work to come away with? Whether that be a thought, feeling, or something else.
YDG: I want viewers to feel a sense of wonder, pride, and curiosity. Whether it’s challenging preconceived notions about Africa or inspiring them to explore their own creative potential, I aim to leave them with a lasting impression of the power of imagination, culture, and storytelling. My hope is that my work sparks meaningful conversations and connections across diverse audiences.
