【Book Introduction】
Inside Africa: Interiors from the South and West is a photographic exploration that vividly captures the residential culture and spatial aesthetics of Africa. This volume brings together the visual achievements of photographer Deidi von Schaewen, who spent four years journeying through twenty African countries. Traversing deserts, jungles, highlands, and cities, she documented a breathtaking range of living spaces—from nomadic tents to modern villas, from mud huts to opulent palaces—uncovering interiors that defy description and reveal the remarkable diversity and individuality of African life.
Within these pages, readers will encounter a minimalist contemporary home perched in the hills of Johannesburg, the vividly painted Kassena huts along the Burkina Faso–Ghana border, cathedral-like ceilings in a Nigerian Emir's palace, and the intricate interiors of Moorish tents in the Sahara. Also featured is a majestic manor nestled within a South African vineyard. Regardless of size or style, each space reflects the dreams, imagination, and cultural identity of its inhabitants, going far beyond architectural value to evoke a deeper emotional and aesthetic resonance.
The book spans a wide geographic range, showcasing residences from Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, and Togo, weaving together a vibrant cultural map of home and habitat across West and Southern Africa. Each featured dwelling is not only a shelter but a powerful expression of the bond between people, land, memory, and creativity.
Inside Africa was edited by Angelika Taschen, known for her long-standing dedication to publishing in the fields of art, architecture, and design. The accompanying text was written by two authors with a passion for African culture—Laurence Dougier, who lived in South Africa and transitioned from fashion styling to architecture and interior journalism, and Frédéric Couderc, a seasoned journalist and novelist with years of field experience reporting on Africa. Together, they offer insightful context that brings each photograph to life.
This clothbound hardcover book features a tribal African motif and is crafted with refined production values. It is not only a visually stunning journey but also a collectible piece of art. For readers who appreciate spatial aesthetics, African culture, and architectural photography, Inside Africa offers a deeply inspiring and culturally rich experience.
【Product Details】
Author: Cheri Samba
Publisher: TASCHEN
Dimensions: 31 × 24 cm
Binding: Hardcover
Pages: 464 pages