Artist Statement:
Participating in Project Space Lagos, an intensive interdisciplinary residency project, provided a unique platform for me to delve into pressing environmental issues such as sustainable living, pollution, and the impacts of climate change. This initiative, held as an off-program for the Lagos Biennial 2019, aimed to stimulate a critical rethink among audiences through artistic processes, experiences, and dialogues.
In my project presentation titled “This Time Shall Soon Pass,” I shed light on the detrimental practice of street-load truckers collecting waste only to dispose of it improperly in gutters, leading to blockages and environmental hazards.
To visually narrate this narrative, I employed a creative approach by crafting waste replicas using water sachets and nylon bags, mimicking the discarded materials handled by these truck pushers.
Utilizing charcoal as my medium, I intricately drew on the walls of the project space, setting the backdrop for a thought-provoking visual representation. Additionally, I affixed the crafted waste pieces onto canvases, symbolizing the harsh reality of waste mismanagement and its adverse effects on the environment.
This immersive installation served as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for sustainable waste management practices and the collective responsibility we bear in safeguarding our environment for future generations.
Through this project, I aimed to spark contemplation, dialogue, and action towards fostering a more environmentally conscious society, urging viewers to reflect on the consequences of our actions and the imperative for positive change in our approach to waste disposal and environmental stewardship.