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The archive of Tony Russell, the Jamaican photographer born in Kingston in 1938, has crossed islands, mountains, political crises, countries and decades of work before arriving in Cascais. Now, it can be seen at the Exhibition Gallery of Palácio da Cidadela until 6 September 2026. The show is organised into thematic sections, spanning post-independence Jamaica, Andean Venezuela and the journey of the archive itself until its arrival in Portugal.
Promoted by Fundação D. Luís I in partnership with Castanea Collective, with the support of Cascais City Council, the exhibition introduces visitors to the work of Russell, born in Kingston in 1938. The photographer grew up documenting a Jamaica in transformation, became the first Jamaican to lead the photography department of the Jamaica Tourist Board and, in 1973, published through Magnum Photos.
Later, when Cold War tensions made life in Jamaica impossible for him, he moved to Trujillo, in Venezuela, where he lived and worked for more than two decades. Today, Tony Russell lives in Figueira da Foz, Portugal.
At the Cidadela, visitors can see photographs of everyday life in post-independence Jamaica, rural and coastal communities, Kingston’s urban transformations, social movements, religious rituals and scenes from daily life in Venezuela. There are also portraits of historical figures such as Bob Marley, Elizabeth II and Fidel Castro.
The title of the exhibition, Abeng, refers to the wind instrument used by the Maroons to coordinate movements, warn of attacks and organise resistance in the mountains of Jamaica. Today, it is seen in the country as a symbol of freedom and affirmation.
Preserving and sharing Russell’s archive is part of the mission of Castanea Collective, formed by Portuguese members Tiago Serpa, Rogério Queiroz and Tiago Brandão. As well as this exhibition – the most extensive presentation of the photographer’s work to date – the collective is also preparing a documentary about Tony Russell and limited-edition series of selected photographs.
Exhibition Gallery, Palácio da Cidadela de Cascais. Until September 6