Bjorn Waldegard & Hans Thorszelius - Mohamed Amin

Car 3 Bjorn Waldegard & Hans Thorszelius Mercedes-Benz 450SLC 5.0 CS61 along Kijabe-Naivasha road in Kenya. Kenya’s renowned photojournalist Mohamed Amin, one of his favourite jobs, was the East African Safari Rally. During the five-day, 3,500-mile event, Mo (also known as ‘Six Camera Mo’) and his Camerapix crew would work flat out to deliver on time. Often they slept out in their battered Land Cruiser, miles from the beaten track, in order to claim the best position for filming. Mo covered this gruelling test of endurance for more than 25 years, and his film reports of the rally achieved legendary status. Sometimes in his desire to get as close as possible to the action, he made the news himself. In March 1978 he parked his vehicle next to a flooded track and, together with his new partner, Duncan Willetts, set up his tripod and camera on the roof to capture the cars as they sped past at 80 mph, spewing sheets of water on either side. For Willetts it was a dramatic introduction to his first Safari Rally. Suddenly Japanese driver Yoshio Iwashita arrived on the scene and broadsided out of control. The careering car hurtled off the road, rammed into the Land Cruiser, and pitched Mo and Willetts into a mud-filled ditch. The incident left Mo with a broken wrist, but typically he kept his cameras running throughout to provide the evening television bulletins with some spectacular footage. His professionalism led to Iwashita receiving an anxious phone call from his wife in Tokyo. Not wanting to worry his wife Iwashha had not told her about the crash, but thanks to Mo and Visnews film of the incident had been screened in Japan. Sometimes in his enthusiasm to be first or to get a saleable shot, Mo would stretch the rules.

• Subject Matter: The photograph documents a pivotal moment during the East African Safari Rally – specifically, the collision between Yoshio Iwashita’s Mercedes-Benz and Mohamed Amin’s Land Cruiser. It captures the raw energy of motorsport and the dedication of journalists striving for exceptional visual storytelling.
• Composition: Utilizing a slightly low angle perspective, the image amplifies the car's imposing presence against the rugged Kenyan landscape. Diagonal lines guide the viewer’s eye towards the background, establishing depth and balance while emphasizing the dynamic movement of the rally action.
• Color Palette: Presented in black and white photography, the palette leans heavily on shades of gray—ranging from deep blacks to brilliant whites—creating a timeless aesthetic that underscores the drama of the scene.
• Use of Lines & Shapes: The prominent road serves as a powerful diagonal line, directing attention towards the distant horizon. The car’s form contrasts sharply with the jagged rocks and uneven terrain, highlighting its vulnerability amidst the challenging environment.
• Textures: The photograph showcases diverse textures—the rough surface of the dirt road, the polished metal of the vehicle, the billowing dust cloud, and the clothing of the spectators—adding tactile richness to the visual experience.
• Lighting: Natural daylight illuminates the scene with highlights on the car’s body and shadows within the landscape, generating depth and dimension.
• Perspective & Depth: The viewpoint offers a straightforward gaze into the rally action, reinforcing the illusion of distance through varying sizes of the spectators.

Artist Information: Mohamed Amin (1943 – 1996) stands as a monumental figure in photojournalism, particularly renowned for his unflinching documentation of significant historical events and humanitarian crises. Born August 29, 1943, in Eastleigh, Nairobi, Kenya, Amin’s journey began amidst a backdrop of Kenyan Punjab heritage, fostering an early fascination with visual storytelling that would propel him to international acclaim. Early Life & Photographic Beginnings Amin's passion for photography blossomed during his formative years at school, establishing a foundation for his future endeavors. Recognizing the transformative power of images, he embarked on a path dedicated to capturing reality—a commitment that culminated in the establishment of Camerapix Company in 1963 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This venture marked not merely a professional undertaking but also a deliberate choice to champion journalistic integrity and artistic vision. Notable Artworks: - Ethiopian Famine Report - Idi Amin with Sarah Kyolaba - Mohamed Amin and Dolly Amin with a pair of lion cubs Style & Medium: Photojournalism – Documentary Photography Movement: The photograph exemplifies the documentary style, prioritizing truthful representation without embellishment. It’s executed in black and white film photography during the 1980s, utilizing meticulous framing and timing to capture the decisive moment of the collision.