-
Skeleton Key Press 2026
- Hardback, 1st edition, 144p
- New
Burnt Eyes is a thoughtful exploration of nostalgia, memory, and the intricate connection between place and identity. This beautifully printed, linen-bound collection features the striking black-and-white photography of Gilles Nicolet, paired with resonant poetry by Tanur Shah, creating an intuitive interplay between photography and verse that invites personal interpretation. The book offers a nuanced portrayal of Africa, with each of Nicolet’s photographs serving as a heartfelt tribute to the people and places that have quietly shaped his identity. Nicolet challenges the oversimplified notions of the continent while exploring the intertwined themes of beauty, memory, and belonging, highlighting the complexities of longing, loss, and the concept of home. Overall, the flowing sequence of images and poems throughout this volume suggests narratives rich in intricacy, waiting to be unraveled.
In the foreword, David Pilling, Africa editor and Financial Times columnist, captures the essence of this collection: “The photographs and poems in Burnt Eyes pulse with the sadness of nostalgia. A yearning for what has slipped away and can never be retrieved.” The work uncovers the silences and overlooked spaces that convey powerful stories about our experiences. The photographs evoke moments of solitude and contemplation, encouraging a connection to the emotions and memories that resonate within us, irrespective of our personal landscapes. Ultimately, Burnt Eyes lingers in the consciousness, prompting reflection on the actual and metaphorical landscapes that shape our understanding. It embodies the enduring spirit of Africa and the intimate stories we carry with us, wherever we may go.
