Art Book - Made in Sierra Leone
Book Synopsis
Made in Sierra Leone is the first published collection by multidisciplinary artist Sabanoh, guided by the ethos “Nar wi gɛt ya” — “We own here.” Created entirely in Sierra Leone, this book intertwines restored archives, street encounters, coastal imagery, and graphic compositions inspired by the vibrant colors of old African vinyl sleeves.
Sabanoh delves into Sierra Leone’s visual history through family photographs, community moments, and portraits of public figures, contributing to a collective cultural memory. The narrative unfolds through composition rather than chronology, with textures, typography, and archival materials reimagined into a contemporary visual language.
As an art object and cultural document, Made in Sierra Leone embodies Sabanoh’s dedication to careful archiving, honoring those who shaped the cultural landscape, and promoting a visual identity rooted in dignity, authorship, and the understanding that “we own here.”
About the artist
Sahr Martin Kabba, known professionally as Sabanoh, is a self-taught Sierra Leonean multidisciplinary artist working across graphic design, photography, sound, film, creative direction, and cultural community-building. His Temne name — translated in Krio as “Nar wi gɛt ya,” meaning “we own here” — anchors his commitment to creating from within his environment and contributing to Sierra Leone’s visual identity.
His practice draws from community photographs, coastal scenes, restored archives, and everyday encounters, which he reorganises into new compositions grounded in place and memory. Beyond his personal work, he has contributed to cultural initiatives such as A.W.A.T.S (African Women and Their Stories) and other emerging creative communities.
His collaborations include commissions and features with NBA Africa, Cambridge University, It’s Nice That, i-D, and the Arsenal × Adidas × Labrum Salone chapter campaign, where he served as Assistant DOP. His film work includes Gboroka (Creative Direction, Graphic Design, Sound Design) and creative and sound contributions to Sansan.
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