François Beaurain Puts a New, Animated Face on Liberia

French photographer François Beaurain is putting a new face on the capital city of Liberia. Here the citizens become the teeth on a turning gear, “a piece of the conveyor belt that animates the city.” All too familiar with the countries storied past, François’ gives the people a lively presence often missed by the westernized world and buried under news stories that highlight the grim and shocking.

Many of François’ images are taken at the derelict Ducor Hotel. Once one of the few five-star luxury hotels in Africa, the building sits atop a hill overlooking the city. Now it stands as a reminder of the nation’s former prosperity and a hope for things to come. Learn more about the work of François Beaurain, including more from Monrovia Animated and his collages using posters from “Nollywood” at fbeaurain.com.