Photographic afterlives

Photographic afterlives, the first volume in the Rethinking Art's Histories series, examines the complex cultural and political contexts surrounding photographs from the Algerian War of Independence. This scholarly work in arts and photography investigates how images from the 1954-1962 conflict reappear within contemporary art and modern photobooks. By situating these practices within the broader archival turn in the humanities, the text explores the ongoing debates regarding archives in Algeria and North Africa.

The book traces the movement of historical photographs across various spaces to reveal the layers of meaning these images acquire over time. Focusing on artists and photographers who excavate sidelined histories, Photographic afterlives, volume 1, analyzes how contemporary art performs inquiries into the past while addressing the shifting needs of the present. This study serves as a significant contribution to history and criticism, offering deep insights into decolonization and international politics through the lens of photojournalism and essays.