Sanlé Sory: Je vais décoller, 1977

Phaidon is pleased to present Je vais décoller, a new limited edition by Sanlé Sory. Released alongside Phaidon's landmark monograph on the artist, the edition celebrates Sory's singular contributions to modern portrait photography.

Over the course of three decades, Sory became one of West Africa's most celebrated photographers, documenting everyday life during a period of profound social and political change. Working from his renowned Volta Photo Portrait Studio, which he opened in 1960 – the same year Burkina Faso gained independence – Sory photographed a generation embracing newfound freedom, capturing the fashion, music, and culture that shaped the country's new identity. His striking black-and-white portraits from this period have become iconic examples of African photography.

Je vais décoller captures the spirit of optimism that defines Sory's work. Posing confidently before a painted backdrop featuring a jetliner open for boarding, his subject embodies the aspirations of a generation looking toward the future. ‘My pictures showcase an era, a city and the good people of Bobo-Dioulasso, who were the stars of their own existence. They illustrate the meeting between tradition and modernity, between country and city life, colonization and independence, past and future – as an immediate present,’ says Sory. 

The limited edition includes a signed and numbered print, as well as a copy of Phaidon’s monograph, Sanlé Sory, a stunning volume created in close collaboration with the artist.

Sanlé Sory (b. 1943) is a Burkinabè photographer. In 1960, the same year as Burkina Faso (then the Republic of Upper Volta) gained full independence from France, Sory founded his photo studio, Volta Photo Portrait Studio. Over three decades, he captured and chronicled life in the city of Bobo, creating a vibrant record of its people and the West African culture it is known for.

All our frames are manufactured in the USA, using eco-friendly and sustainably sourced engineered hardwood for durability and a uniform finish that is free of defects. Frames are available in Black or White Satin and Honey Pecan.

All prints are hinged to a conservation quality, acid-free and lignin-free Alpha Cellulose matboard, using an acid-free linen tape. The mat's surface paper is fade and bleed resistant and is attached to a conservation quality foam-core mounting board that will keep the work safe from deterioration over time. Artworks with a deckled or decorative edges will be floated on the matboard, with acrylic spacers to separate the art from the glazing. All mounting is fully reversible, without any potential damage to the art.

All of our frames come with picture quality .090 mm plexiglass, which blocks 66% of UV to prevent color fading from exposure to light, keeping your art protected for years to come. It is now considered the industry standard for artists, museums and galleries throughout the world.

For images up to 30" x 40"

• 1 1/4” wide, 3/4” deep, with a 2 1/2” wide mat.
• We generally leave 1/4” - 1/2” of paper showing around the image, to accommodate signatures and for visual appeal.

For sheet sizes larger than 30” x 40" please contact an Artspace advisor for a custom quote.

Our art editions ship in 7 to 10 business days from New York.

Our framed art editions ship in 11 to 14 business days from New York.

This work is eligible for return within 30 days of receipt of delivery.

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Contact an Artspace Advisor at advisor@artspace.com