Pieter Hugo is a South African photographer known for his powerful and often unsettling images of people, places, and cultures. Born in 1976 in Johannesburg, South Africa, Hugo grew up during the last years of apartheid. His work has been exhibited around the world and is held in numerous public collections including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
Hugo's work often focuses on marginalized communities and individuals living on the fringes of society. He has documented Nigerian albinos, Ghanaian funeral processions, and South African gangs. His series "The Hyena & Other Men" (2005) was particularly acclaimed for its intimate portrayal of a group of men who travel through Nigeria with hyenas as part of their traditional healing practice.
In addition to his photographic work, Hugo has also published several books including Permanent Error (2009), There's a Place in Hell for Me and My Friends (2013), and Kin (2018). He has also collaborated with musicians such as Bon Iver on music videos and album covers.
Hugo currently lives in Cape Town with his wife and two children. He continues to travel extensively to document people and places around the world.