Burnt Eyes is a thoughtful exploration of nostalgia, memory, and the intricate connection between place and identity. This beautifully printed, linen-bound collection features the striking black-and-white photography of
Gilles Nicolet, paired with resonant
poetry by Tanur Shah, creating an intuitive interplay between photography and verse that invites personal interpretation. The book offers a nuanced portrayal of Africa, with each of Nicolet’s photographs serving as a heartfelt tribute to the people and places
that have quietly shaped his identity. Nicolet challenges the oversimplified notions of the continent while exploring the intertwined themes of beauty, memory, and belonging, highlighting the complexities of longing, loss, and the concept of home. Overall,
the flowing sequence of images and poems throughout this volume suggests narratives rich in intricacy, waiting to be unraveled.
In the foreword, David Pilling, Africa editor and Financial Times columnist, captures the essence of this collection:
“The photographs and poems in Burnt Eyes pulse with the sadness of nostalgia. A yearning for what has slipped away and can never be retrieved.” The work uncovers the silences and overlooked spaces that convey powerful stories about our experiences. The photographs evoke moments of
solitude and contemplation, encouraging a connection to the emotions and memories that resonate within us, irrespective of our personal landscapes. Ultimately, Burnt Eyes lingers in the consciousness, prompting reflection on the actual and metaphorical landscapes that shape our understanding. It embodies the enduring spirit of Africa and the intimate stories we carry with us, wherever we may go.
ARTIST & CONTRIBUTOR
GILLES NICOLET
GILLES NICOLET is a self-taught photographer who lived and worked in Africa for over 35 years. Now settled in Europe, he often returns to Africa to continue his photographic pursuits. With a long-standing interest in anthropology and ethnography, Nicolet’s
photography initially focused on the unique traditions that connect people to wildlife and nature. However, as these traditions have now declined, his recent projects—from which the selection of images in Burnt Eyes was drawn—have taken on a more personal and reflective tone, exploring deeper emotional connections between individuals and their surroundings.
Nicolet’s photography has appeared in many notable international publications, including National Geographic, The Sunday Times Magazine, Paris-Match, Geo, and Smithsonian. He has received many awards, including the World Press Photo Award, the Fuji Award, and the HIPA Award. In 2018, he was a nominee for the Elliott Erwitt Havana Fellowship.
Burnt Eyes is his second book, following
Swahili (Editions Contrejour, 2019).
gillesnicolet.com
@gillesnicolet
All About Gilles Nicolet
TANUR SHAH
TANUR SHAH was born in Mumbai, India, in 1985. From a very young age, she shared an inexplicable connection with nature and animals. She moved to Tanzania in her early 20s to volunteer on conservation projects. She is passionate about wildlife conservation
and cultural preservation. Shah also has a keen interest in philosophy, the arts, and questioning human behavior and society.
DAVID PILLING
DAVID PILLING is the Africa editor and a columnist at Financial Times, focusing on business, politics, and development in Africa. Previously, he served as the Asia editor and held various roles, including Tokyo bureau chief and pharmaceuticals
correspondent. He has authored two books: The Growth Delusion (2018), shortlisted for the Orwell Prize, and Bending Adversity: Japan and the Art of Survival (2016). Pilling is also a regular speaker and moderator for the FT and other organizations, including the World Bank, the OECD, and the ADB. In 2023, he briefed the G7 on concepts from
The Growth Delusion.
