Sammy Baloji was born in 1978 in Democratic Republic of Congo and lives and works in Lubumbashi. He graduated in Humanities Studies from the University of Lubumbashi. Along with his photographic studies, he became interested in film and has dedicated his efforts to both mediums. Through his unique interpretations of the history of his country’s human and environmental exploitations
through abuses of power, he has raised international awareness and has challenged his audience to consider the issues surrounding future development in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Baloji has taken part in numerous individual and collaborative projects, and his films and photos have been shown in several international exhibitions. In 2009, he was featured at the Montreal Month of Photography. He was a finalist for the French Pictet Award and received a Prince Claus Award. His first solo museum show, The Beautiful Time in Lumbumbashi: Photography by Sammy Baloji, opened in March 2010 at the Sidney Mishkin Gallery at Baruch College in New York City and was organized by New York’s Museum for African Art.
