Anders Kullang & Bruno Berglund – Mohamed Amin: Dokumentacija Etiopskog Katastrofe
Car 4 Anders Kullang & Bruno Berglund Opel Ascona 400 CS63 along Hells Gate-Elementaita road in Kenya. Kenya’s renowned photojournalist Mohamed Amin, one of his favourite jobs, was the East African Safari Rally. During the five-day, 3,500-mile event, Mo (also known as ‘Six Camera Mo’) and his Camerapix crew would work flat out to deliver on time. Often they slept out in their battered Land Cruiser, miles from the beaten track, in order to claim the best position for filming. Mo covered this gruelling test of endurance for more than 25 years, and his film reports of the rally achieved legendary status. Sometimes in his desire to get as close as possible to the action, he made the news himself. In March 1978 he parked his vehicle next to a flooded track and, together with his new partner, Duncan Willetts, set up his tripod and camera on the roof to capture the cars as they sped past at 80 mph, spewing sheets of water on either side. For Willetts it was a dramatic introduction to his first Safari Rally. Suddenly Japanese driver Yoshio Iwashita arrived on the scene and broadsided out of control. The careering car hurtled off the road, rammed into the Land Cruiser, and pitched Mo and Willetts into a mud-filled ditch. The incident left Mo with a broken wrist, but typically he kept his cameras running throughout to provide the evening television bulletins with some spectacular footage. His professionalism led to Iwashita receiving an anxious phone call from his wife in Tokyo. Not wanting to worry his wife Iwashha had not told her about the crash, but thanks to Mo and Visnews film of the incident had been screened in Japan. Sometimes in his enthusiasm to be first or to get a saleable shot, Mo would stretch the rules.
- Subject Matter: The photograph focuses on the East African Safari Rally, specifically capturing a chaotic moment during the event—a collision between Yoshio Iwashita’s car and Mo Amin's Land Cruiser.
- Composition: Dynamic diagonal lines created by the muddy track draw the viewer’s eye across the image, emphasizing movement and speed. The positioning of the cars and the spectators contributes to a sense of scale and context.
- Color Palette: Presented in stark black and white, the tonal contrast highlights the textures of the mud, car body, and figures on the roadside—creating an atmosphere of immediacy and realism.
Technique & Materials: The photograph utilizes traditional film photography techniques – careful framing, exposure adjustment, and focus precision—resulting in a timeless image that embodies the spirit of documentary filmmaking. The grainy texture of the black and white print adds to its visual character and reinforces its historical significance.
Historical Context: Mohamed Amin’s documentation of the 1984 Ethiopian famine cemented his place as one of Africa's most influential photojournalists. This image exemplifies his commitment to capturing pivotal moments in history with unflinching honesty—a testament to his journalistic integrity and artistic vision. The photograph serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by journalists striving for accuracy and impact during times of crisis.
- Lighting: Diffused lighting suggests overcast conditions, enhancing the mood and creating subtle gradations of tone that contribute to depth and form within the composition.
- Perspective & Depth: The photograph employs a straightforward perspective, conveying a sense of spatial realism through layering elements in the background and highlighting the relative size of the car against the surrounding landscape.
Symbolism: The muddy track symbolizes the arduous conditions of the Safari Rally—representing perseverance and resilience amidst adversity. Simultaneously, it underscores the importance of capturing authentic experiences—a core principle of Amin’s artistic practice. The photograph's stark monochrome reinforces its emotional impact—eliciting feelings of excitement, danger, and a profound connection to the unfolding drama.
Style: This artwork embodies documentary photography—prioritizing truthful representation over stylistic embellishment. It captures a fleeting moment in time with remarkable clarity—preserving the essence of the event and conveying its significance to viewers.