The Nubian look

Their backgrounds couldn't have been more opposed: Leni Riefenstahl was the infamous German filmmaker known for her pro-Nazi propaganda movies and involvement in the Third Reich; George Rodger was the British photojournalist and Magnum founding member who made his name recording the grim realities of WWII. And yet they were both enthralled by the Nuba, a remote and diverse tribal group living in the Sudanese mountains. Rodger led the way, gaining unprecedented access to them in the 1940s; and inspired by his photographs, Riefenstahl followed in the 60s. In the rapt admiration which emanates from these pictures, the two could at least find some common ground.
Holly Kyte
Leni Riefenstahl: Last of the Nuba, online exhibition at atlasgallery.com until May 3 and George Rodger: African Portraits, gallery exhibition until May 3, Atlas Gallery, 49 Dorset Street, W1U 7NF