Nahom Nigussie: Ethiopian street and documentary photographer documenting urban life and transformation

Nahom Nigussie is a 25-year-old Ethiopian photographer. His work centres on street photography and social documentary practices. His photography journey began with using a mobile phone camera in ninth grade.

2020 marked a significant shift in his practice as he transitioned to using a digital camera. Since then, he has consistently explored the streets of Addis Ababa, using the city as both subject and context.

The Addis Foto Fest exhibition in Addis Ababa exposed Nahom to new perspectives and possibilities within photography. It was through this exhibition that he discovered photography is not only a tool for documentation but also a form of expression and critical engagement. The work of Aïda Muluneh played an important role in this shift of perspective, as his work revealed the depth of African photographic voices.

His work engages with everyday life, the rhythm of urban spaces, and the subtle interactions that define public experience. His images often reveal tensions between past and present, tradition and modernisation, intimacy and anonymity — creating a layered narrative of a city in flux.

Alongside his documentary work, Nahom is dedicated to developing his street photography practice, capturing spontaneous and unfiltered moments that reflect the complexity of urban life.

His photographs are characterised by a sensitivity to light, gesture, and composition, as well as an instinct for timing that brings out the poetic qualities of everyday scenes.

Nahom’s work contributes to the visual archive of contemporary Ethiopian life while also challenging perceptions and prompting reflection on contemporary Ethiopian life.

How did you get started in photography?

I was introduced to photography through my father, who worked as a photographer in our village. He documented our family, extended relatives, and community events such as birthdays and ceremonies.

Growing up, I was constantly surrounded by his work — watching how he approached people, how he handled his camera, and later looking through the printed photo albums he created. Those albums shaped my early understanding of photography as a way of preserving memories.

A defining moment came in 2014, when I visited the Addis Foto Fest exhibition in Addis Ababa, curated by Aïda Muluneh. It was my first real introduction to African photographers working at a high level, telling powerful and diverse stories through their images. The exhibition revealed photography as not only documentation, but also a form of expression, storytelling, and artistic voice.

After this experience, I began to take photography more seriously, eventually leading me to pursue street photography and social documentary work.

How would you describe yourself?

I would say I am a curious, fast learner. I am a bit introverted and not the strongest communicator yet, but I have been working on it and improving over time. I also see myself as a photographer who is naturally curious and finds inspiration in both everyday moments and unique scenes.

What are the main themes that inspire your photography?

My photography focuses on everyday life, human connection, identity, and the quiet changes happening in my city.

I am also interested in transformation — how places and people change over time. Living in a city that is constantly evolving pushes me to document these shifts, both visually and emotionally.

I am especially drawn to ordinary moments — things people might pass by without noticing. These small moments often carry emotion and meaning, and I try to bring attention to them through my work.

Through my images, I try to connect with others by keeping things honest. I do not try to stage or control too much; instead, I observe and respond to what is already there.

At the same time, I hope my photographs create space for reflection. I want the viewer to engage with the image in their own way and find their own meaning within it.

What moment in your career are you most proud of?

One of the moments I am most proud of in my journey so far was being part of the pre-launch exhibition of the Africa Foto Fair, curated by Aïda Muluneh. I exhibited my work under the title “Gaze Eternal: Ethiopia, Past and Becoming.”

Having my work shown in that space and featured on the platform was a meaningful milestone for me.

Another part of that experience was attending a workshop led by Aïda Muluneh. Receiving direct feedback on my work from her helped me see my work from a new perspective and think more critically about my process and direction.

Altogether, this experience remains one of the most defining moments in my journey so far.

What is the biggest challenge you've faced as a photographer?

I practice street photography in a context where awareness and understanding of the medium are still limited, and this is a major challenge. Also, it can be difficult to take pictures in public spaces, especially when people are not always comfortable or familiar with being photographed.

I have also had challenging encounters with authorities — there was a time I was stopped by police, physically confronted, and had to spend hours explaining why I was taking photos on the street.

These experiences have taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of communication. I have learned to be more mindful of my surroundings, approach situations calmly, and better explain my intentions when needed.

These challenges have shaped how I navigate and engage with the world through my work.

"My photography focuses on everyday life, human connection, identity, and the quiet changes happening in my city."

What type of photography do you specialise in?

I mainly focus on street photography while also exploring social documentary work.

My interest in this approach comes from a desire to understand and reflect on everyday life in an honest way. I photograph the life of the streets, trying to hold on to fleeting moments before they disappear — giving them a sense of permanence.

Street photography is not just about candid images or the streets themselves — I see it as documenting something much bigger: life.

Over time, my style has been shaped by spending more time in the streets, studying the work of other photographers, and becoming more aware of light, timing, and human interaction.

I am increasingly interested in documentary work, especially in telling deeper, more layered stories about people and places.

Right now, my work sits between exploration and growth — using photography as a way to learn, to see more clearly, and to connect with the world around me.

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?

Well, I would love to work with Aïda Muluneh, Hilina Abebe, and Geremew Tigabu. Their work and presence in the field have been very inspiring to me, especially in how they approach storytelling and visual identity from an African perspective.

Collaborating with them would be a great opportunity to learn, grow, and exchange ideas. I would also love to work with The New York Times, as I admire its storytelling and global reach.

What do you think of the 54Ruum?

I think 54Ruum is building something very important and timely for African photographers. Creating a platform that not only showcases work but also focuses on storytelling, visibility, and real opportunities is powerful. It feels like a space that understands both the creative and professional sides of being an artist, and I really respect that vision.

How's the photography and art space in Ethiopia?

There has been significant growth in the art and photography scene in Ethiopia over the last few years. Especially with the opening of Studio 11 and Artawi Gallery, there has been increased awareness, more exhibitions, and stronger community engagement. These spaces are helping to create dialogue, support artists, and make photography more visible and appreciated.