African Arenas (10 photos)
All Photos © Thomas Hoeffgen
The enthusiasm and passion with which soccer is played in Africa are inevitably transferred to the onlooker. Internationally successful fashion and advertising photographer Thomas Hoeffgen (*1968 in Kiel) experienced the same thing when he flew to Nigeria in 1999 for a story on soccer. He became so interested in the subject that he spent the next several years taking unusual, direct photographs of players and spectators in Nigeria, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, and South Africa. Hoeffgen’s images take us from the continent’s typical improvised sandlots with their two wooden posts forming a makeshift goal to the concrete stadiums in the city with their floodlights and grandstands. Remarkably honest photographs, since no one takes notice of the man behind the camera—the only thing that counts here is the game. Fore more information on Hoeffgen’s Book, African Arenas, click here.
Tags: 212 Artists Representatives, African Arenas, Botswana, Hatje Cantz, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, soccer, South Africa, Thomas Hoeffgen, Zambia
July 9th, 2010 at 6:06 pm EEDT
Awesome shots… the fields, the players. I especially like the player in the “locker room” getting dressed — an amazing portrait with light, color, emotion. Great series.
July 10th, 2010 at 5:34 pm EEDT
Nice collection. Contrast with the green fields shown on TV is enormous.
July 11th, 2010 at 11:05 am EEDT
Such a good selection of photos. I love the aerial photos combined with shots that connect you with the players
July 17th, 2010 at 4:17 am EEDT
These photographs are beautiful to look at and so descriptive!
Like Robert said, the contrast between these soccer photo’s and the photo’s we saw the past month, is amazing, but wonderful.
February 4th, 2012 at 8:48 am EEDT
Great selection of photo’s great documentary style – tells a story for sure.