Mike Kirkland & Dave Haworth - Mohamed Amin

Car 22 Mike Kirkland & Dave Haworth Datsun Violet 710 CS21 along Kabarnet-Kipkorian 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 image encapsulates the exhilarating spirit of motorsport—specifically, the East African Safari Rally—celebrating victory amidst challenging conditions. Two figures perched atop a Datsun Violet 710 capture the essence of triumph and camaraderie.
• Composition: Dynamic framing dominates the scene, with Kirkland & Haworth positioned as focal points against a backdrop featuring prominent signage (Omega, Kenya Airways) and the imposing Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC). The expansive crowd serves as contextual depth, conveying the scale and significance of the event.
• Color Palette: Presented in monochrome, the photograph leverages tonal variation—ranging from deep blacks to brilliant whites—to heighten contrast and emphasize key elements within the composition. This deliberate choice underscores the documentary nature of the artwork.
• Technique & Materials: Captured using a traditional camera with film, the image exemplifies meticulous photographic craftsmanship. Careful attention was paid to exposure settings to ensure optimal detail rendition in both highlights and shadows, resulting in a timeless aesthetic.

Historical Context – The Safari Rally Legacy

The photograph commemorates a pivotal moment in Kenyan motorsport history—the East African Safari Rally, spearheaded by Mohamed Amin. For over two decades, Amin relentlessly documented this grueling endurance test, elevating his film reports to legendary status. His unwavering dedication to capturing the raw energy of the rally cemented his place as one of Kenya’s most influential photojournalists and established a benchmark for journalistic excellence. The incident involving Yoshio Iwashita further underscores the risks inherent in pursuing exceptional images—a testament to Amin's commitment to storytelling.

Symbolism – Triumph Amidst Adversity

The positioning of Kirkland & Haworth atop the vehicle symbolizes resilience and determination, mirroring the spirit of overcoming obstacles during the Safari Rally. The muddy ditch serves as a visual metaphor for challenges faced by journalists striving to capture authentic experiences—a reminder that true artistry often emerges from confronting difficulties head-on. Furthermore, the inclusion of the KICC signifies Kenya’s ambition for international recognition and cultural advancement.

Emotional Impact – Capturing the Moment

The photograph evokes feelings of exhilaration, accomplishment, and nostalgia—transporting viewers back to a bygone era of motorsport adventure. It embodies the thrill of witnessing history unfold through the lens of photography, capturing not only visual details but also the palpable energy and passion surrounding this iconic event. The image resonates with an enduring appreciation for perseverance and dedication in pursuit of artistic excellence.