Please Wait 2003
Please Wait is a series of photographs and one video depicting the western perspective and ignorant viewpoint towards Africa.
The foundation of the project stems from my personal journey to Africa, which was marked by a layover from London to Lagos during which Heathrow Airport was closed due to a storm, and we were detained for three days as a consequence of the heightened security era of 9/11.
The signs at the airport read Please Wait, even for most basic needs. In a way we were “hostages,” and I could draw similarities between the humanistic experiences of feeling contained. I took video documentation of the airport, depicting the bright Please Wait signs and the climate of chaos. This situation symbolically foreshadowed what awaited me at my arrival to Lagos where I was gripped with the atmosphere of intensity and violence. Coming from the western world, nothing had prepared me for the extreme climate, smells, and noises of a continent being destroyed by the devastating effects of poverty and illness representing the ultimate worldwide action of abandonment.
With this series I intend to document the abundant culture of dance, art, and music that erupted out these severe circumstances to bring the attention to a society that should not remain unheard and cannot be contained. With the hope that in time, they will no longer hear the words “Please Wait.”
PHOTOS
Please Wait
2003
Digital Photos
127 x 82.55 cm
Edition 1/3
INSTALLATION
Please Wait
2003
Digital Video
Edition 1/3
Please Wait
2003
Digital Photos
16.66 x 11.76 x 2.06 cm
Edition 1/3
VIDEO
FULL VIDEO COMING SOON