History is not Absent-Minded. 2019

This body of work was created in the framework of a residency Program organized by Le Centre Abomey Calavi Benin Republic in the February of 2019.

At the peak of the party in the most popular nightclub in Cotonou, listening and dancing to a cocktail of American hip hop and afrobeat hit song by mostly African artistes, it completely shocked me how the sound abruptly changed as if to say without prior warning, straight into the traditional Egun masquerade beat.

I was intrigued how the dance floor exploded in a kind of frenzy the made me realize that Africa and Africans are quite willing and able to hold tenaciously to their cultural values as they negotiate the consequences of colonization and confront realities of social cultural gentrification.

The nightclub experience was to me a cogent reminder of how Africa is willing to absorb various alien sensibilities but at the same time announcing the fact that her identity may not be negotiable.

Only four images were produced in these staged postures, working with friends and critical players. Working in-situ was just my attempt of further absorb the space as well as evaluate my position as a person.