Reflections of Humanity brings stories told by international photographers to Ibadan

THE year’s annual photography exhibition, now in its fifth edition, offers lovers of photography the opportunity to understand issues going on around the world as told by photographers.

As in past editions, this year’s exhibition features 16 photographers from Nigeria, Bangladesh, Sudan, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, Germany , Lesotho, The Netherlands, Cameroon and United Kingdom.

Curated by Nseabasi Akpan, the exhibition provides opportunity for photography artists to tells stories from their immediate environment through their lenses; these are stories that do not normally hit the media.

Speaking during the opening of the exhibition, which will be on till September 2, Akpan said the event brings together powerful stories told through the eyes of photographers from around the world.

“Each artist offers a glimpse into what it means to be human – the struggles, the joys, the hopes, and the strength we share.

“The photographs reveal different facets of humanity; resilience in the face of hardship, the power of community, the beauty of everyday life, and quiet moments of connection and spirituality.

“Through their images, the artists invited us to look beyond ourselves and to understand the lives of others with empathy and respect,” Akpan said, adding that as lovers of photography arts explore the collection, they would be moved by the stories shared through the images and reminded that no matter one’s background, humanity binds everyone one together.

Also speaking, the Director of the Alliance Francaise, Ibadan, the host of the exhibition, Mrs Olaide Turner-Moyet, said the cultural organisation would continue to support the development of artists in its immediate environment.

Mrs Turner-Moyet described the Alliance Francaise as non-profit cultural organization that aims to promote the French language and foster cultural exchanges between France and host countries.

She said she was happy with the images on display at the exhibition, which she admits transports lovers of photography arts to countries and communities they may never visit.

Some of the photographs on display include ‘Kilisa’ by Sadiq Mustapha (Nigeria). These pictures showcase the Kilisa festival in Lapai Emirate of Niger State, which is celebrated twice a year to mark the five-day end of the Eid-ad Adha and Eid-al Fitr celebrations in the Emirate.

The issue of accommodation challenges in Lesotho features in Ts’episo Mahooe’s ‘What Will People Say,’ which showcases the slum some people call home. 

Other photographs on display include Oluseyi Olalekan Komolafe’s ‘End SARS,’ which takes one back to the End SARs crisis in Nigeria, shortly after the lifting of the ban on movements as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic. 

Another photograph is Germany’s Johannes Christopher Gerard, ‘Everyday Human Life,’ which shows tricycles in a flooded area.

Other artists whose works are on display are Amber Joy (United Kingdom), Bienvenue Fotso (Cameroon), Rob Godfried (The Netherlands), Oladosu Michael Emerald (Nigeria), Jelena Jovancov (Montenegro), Davide Garonzi (Italy), Edith Codegoni (Italy), Victor Oluwayoju (Nigeria), Alkistis Voulgari (Greece) Ahmed Faisal Abdelrahim Ibrahim (Sudan), Shahidul Islam (Bangladesh), Peace Oladipo (Nigeria) and Nseabasi Akpan (Nigeria). 

The photographs share the theme of love, resilience, communal living, fearlessness, among others.              

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