About
Philadelphia born photographer Moustapha Balde focuses his work on urban and city life. Each collection of his work focuses on learning to love and see the beauty in modern life.
Exhibitions
Group Shows
2025
April - The Rotunda at The University of Pennsylvania “Inspiration Station” Philadelphia, PA
September - Black Box Gallery “Photo Shoot 2025” Portland, OR
October - Janes Studios, Tribeca, NYC
Publication
Photo book published by Blurb Books in collaboration with Black Box Gallery for the exhibition Photo Shoot 2025. Set for release in Fall 2025.
Contact
Email: moostaphabalde@gmail.com
Instagram: @moustaphabalde_
Urban Abstracts
“Doing this collection of work has helped me see the beauty of modern architecture and the wonders that lie present every day in our lives as city dwellers. Since we are not surrounded by natural wonders, we should take the time to appreciate the wonders that men and women constructed with their hands. Even so, this series has taught me to slow down my life in the city and appreciate the finer details I come across— to figuratively smell the roses instead of constantly chasing a destination.”
The Commute
“I began the commute to document life traveling on public transportation. As a frequent commuter, I spend a lot of time on trains and buses in the city of Philadelphia and other cities in general. The commute captures the feeling of being alone, yet together as we take on our own respective journeys. It captures the grit of city life and the perpetual waiting and motion of being a commuter.”
Florals
“Within this overall theme of urban living, nature feels inaccessible— even though we have parks and green spaces, we still seek a return to nature. Urban cityscape and concrete dominance has replaced nature for some of us. Florals documents flowers in urban spaces. Florals documents flowers found only in urban spaces. It speaks to me as a scene of resilience, like a diamond in the rough. Even though we are surrounded by concrete and metal, there are still fleeting moments of the beauty of nature present all around us.”