I attended a photography workshop a few years ago facilitated by one of Nigeria’s most prominent photographers. It couldn’t have come at a better time as I was studying new techniques to take my art to the next level. Here I was, sitted in front of a man who’s work I’d admired for so many years, just waiting for him to speak- that I might hang on to his every word! As soon as the first words were out of his mouth: “Nigerian photographers are too busy trying to make a buck to see the importance of their art,” I knew this wasn’t going to be your usual seminar discussion. After he was done with his ‘philosophy class,’ I kept waiting for it! How can I become a great photographer like you? But it never came – or so I thought. I scribbled down a few of the things he said – even though they were way above my head, reasoning that he must know what he was talking about.
Reminiscing about that day, I realize that certain seeds were sown in my heart. I became dissatisfied with business as usual, feeling like there had to be something more to offer. I started attending art exhibitions and speaking with renowned artists until I understood that what makes an artist’s work so powerful is not solely the aesthetic beauty of the piece, but the message behind it; this is what gives an artist a distinct voice. Beauty is quite a vague and subjective concept, hence unreliable in determining true worth. Who determines what is beautiful anyway? I soon realized that I was at junction where I would have to decide whether I wanted to just keep taking beautiful photographs or delve deeper into the purpose of my art.
Once I discovered that money wasn’t enough of a motivating factor for me, I started asking deeper questions lest I become disillusioned or lackluster. Here’s my submission: Doing anything just for the sake of it is a waste of the human mind. If we reach deep within however, we’re sure to find a higher purpose for what we really want to do, be or have. It’s not just about art, but in all spheres of life. So whether you’re an artist, scientist, economist or horticulturist, strive to see the bigger picture. How does your work affect the grand scheme of things?
Below are some pictures I took in April 2010 in Nairobi, Kenya. I volunteered with an NGO working on advocacy and access to treatment for people living with HIV, especially the marginalized in the society. I’ve been to Nairobi a few times in the last 4 years and had always believed it was a beautiful city through and through. But like every story, there is always another side to it. For the first time, I was priviledged to visit the slums and see things in another light. What amazed me though was how people were doing great things with the little resources available to them. It reinforced in me the belief that there is nothing as irrepressible as the human spirit!
Groots is an organization established to help children who had been orphaned due to AIDS and Women facing challenges such as stigmatization and physical abuse due to their HIV+ status.
Volunteers sharing experiences in caring for the children and mothers.
