Ghanaian Artist Tapped for Historic 2024 Edition
History was officially made as 28-year-old Ghanaian photographer Prince Gyasi was selected to shoot the iconic 2024 Pirelli calendar, becoming the first ever Black artist and African to photograph the prestigious annual publication since its 1964 launch.
When initially receiving the barrier-breaking call to come aboard the historic gig, an excited Gyasi was ironically traveling in the U.S. After flying to New York to meet with Pirelli executives and get approved, the creative visionary ultimately landed the photography role typically given to world famous shooters.
Committed to Empowering Black Creatives
While deeply honored at his personal achievement, trailblazer Gyasi equally views the Pirelli milestone as an opportunity to increase inclusion industry-wide.
“It’s about opening the door, opening the floodgate,” he commented regarding hopes of paving the way for other diverse voices.
The young Ghana native constructed the 2024 calendar’s unique “Timelessness” theme and handpicked eclectic Black icons from Naomi Campbell to Amanda Gorman to spotlight through an African lens. Gyasi remained committed to diversity behind the scenes too, hiring an 80% Black creative crew.
Driven by Colorful Ghanaian Upbringing
In conceiving the calendar’s fresh aesthetic, Gyasi substantially drew inspiration from his colorful upbringing immersed in Ghanaian arts and culture. He tapped into imaginative childhood memories to develop visually striking portraits paired with intricate artistic concepts on time’s fluidity.
From the melting Dali-esque clock beside eternally fabulous Naomi Campbell to poet Amanda Gorman photographed alongside Hidden Figures author Margot Lee Shetterly, Gyasi’s one-of-a-kind perspective leapfrogs the Pirelli calendar into new dimensions crafted by this boundary-breaking young talent.
