The Pirelli calendar for 2024 by African photographer Prince Gaiazi has been unveiled in London. The theme of the new edition is the concept of “Out of Time” and it celebrates several big dates at once: The 50th issue of The Cal and 60 years since the project’s birth in 1964.
The calendar is dedicated to people who, in the author’s opinion, have left their mark and are meant to inspire future generations. “We are not born timeless, but we become timeless,” says Prince Gayazi, explaining that his models, captured in bright colours and stark contrasts, remind him of superheroes, but at the same time “they are close and recognisable”. The Ghanaian artist became the 39th author of the Pirelli calendar (The Cal). His work represents the 50th edition in the 60-year history of the calendar, from 1964 to 2024, taking into account the years when it was not published.
The Calendar features His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, King of the historic Asante Empire in West Africa, and his royal delegation, photographed at Manhyia Palace. The work is entitled “The Royal Family.” American actress Angela Bassett presents The Altruist; writer Margot Lee Shetterly and poet Amanda Gorman present The Project; and Ghanaian contemporary artist Amoako Boafo presents The Chosen One.
Gayazi dedicated a month to himself with a work titled “Details.” The photograph chosen for the cover (and one of the month) is “Diligent” of a young Gayazi, portrayed by Abul-Faid Youssif.
The bright turquoise background shows Youssif playing with miniature versions of the objects that appear on the calendar’s pages: the key Bassett holds, the watch parts from Campbell’s set, the pink stairs Gorman climbs, the blue suitcase carried by “Man of Honour” actor, director, DJ and producer Idris Elba.
Actress Tiwa Savage, “Fortitude”; writer, director and producer James Samuel, “Visionary”; entrepreneur and former footballer Marcel Desailly, “Focus”; and singer, artist and actress Teyana Taylor, “Perspective”.
Having done one shoot in London, Gayazi decided to do a second in Ghana to portray the culture and nature of his country. “Ghana is a special land,” he explains. “It’s the gateway to Africa where you can find everything: cocoa, gold, bauxite, oil.. I wanted to bring Pirelli there and open up a new world with the Calendar that will exist forever, perhaps creating new opportunities for development.”
