On Thursday July 31st PF Gallery will be hosting an opening reception for Scott Duncan’s Touba,his documentary project about Sufi Islam in Senegal. A special screening of the film Touba will be presented Thursday night and the full photography show will be up on the gallery walls through August 29th.
Scott Duncan describes Touba this way:
“Touba, reveals a different face of Islam, one which is so essential in these culturally divisive times. This exhibit chronicles the annual Grand Magaal pilgrimage of one million Sufi Muslims to the holy Senegalese city of Touba. The pilgrims travel from all over the world to pay homage to the life and teachings of Cheikh Amadou Bamba. His non-violent resistance to the French colonial persecution of Muslims in the late 19th century inspired a national movement and doctrine. Until this day, freedom of religious expression through pacifism is still practiced by millions of his followers. In light of what’s been happening recently in Mali and the region, these are lessons the world can learn.
In Touba I was enchanted by the vibrant colors, the hot yellow sun, and of course the kindness, generosity and open spirit of the pilgrims. Locals welcomed the pilgrims into their homes for rest and refreshment. Strangers shared what scarce food and water there was to offer. Since my first visit, I have returned to Touba seven times. I befriended the Mouride leadership and gained their trust, and through them, I was honored with unprecedented access to capture the Grand Magaal as a true insider. With this access, I was able to create intimate portraiture of the people of Touba.
This body of photographs was created to honor this special city and its people, and to share the one-of-a-kind experience of Touba with you.”
Scott Duncan is a Director/Cinematographer whose passion for filmmaking and photography knows no boundaries. Over the span of Duncan’s 22-year career, he has received 13 Emmy Awards and 29 nominations, most notably for Individual Achievement in Cinematography and Best Documentary.
Scott’s childhood in St. Croix, USVI has helped to shape his unique impression of the world he sees and the images he creates. Earning his BFA in Photography at the School of Visual Arts, Scott honed his technical skill and eye for captivating an audience with his artistic use of composition, color and light.
More about Touba from Indiewire, the Hollywood Reporter & IndieNYC.
