Fabrice Monteiro
Sport for Empowerment of Young Female Athletes / Dakar and Thiès, Senegal
Young Senegalese women who wish to get involved in sport face a number of barriers to entry linked to specific social, cultural and religious issues.
Fabrice Monteiro’s photographic series explores the ways in which different protagonists have overcome these obstacles to pursue their passions by placing their journeys at the centre of the story: Awa (surfing), Aminata (roller), Aissatou (badminton) and Mira (break dancing).
The series examines the practical obstacles and social pressures these young women face and, above all, pays tribute to the support they receive from their respective coaches and family members in pursuing their passions and dreams. The urban and rural landscapes of Dakar and Thiès, which form the backdrop of the series, reflect a growing network of clubs and federations that champion emerging Senegalese athletes.
photo Gallery
2022 – IOC / Fabrice Monteiro - All Rights Reserved
BIOGRAPHY
Born in 1972 in Belgium, Fabrice Monteiro lives and works in Dakar, Senegal. He is an Agouda, a descendant of Brazilian slaves with Portuguese names. His background is multicultural: he was born in Belgium, grew up in Benin and now lives and works in Dakar, Senegal. Fabrice Monteiro worked as a model for around a decade before becoming a photographer himself after meeting New York-based photographer Alfonse Pagano. Behind the lens, Fabrice Monteiro’s images are at the intersection of photojournalism and fashion photography.
“The diversity of my origins is my first source of inspiration. Relations between Africa and Europe have constantly fluctuated between attraction and rejection, empowerment and denial, recognition and anger. Africa and Europe have never been indifferent. The history of the African-European people over the centuries, a history whose complexity I have inherited, guides my artistic choices and is my main source of inspiration."
