Group takes trans-Nigerian road trip to 14 states

May 17, 2016 7:04 pm

The invisible borders, a group of impressionist, introduced its new project themed “Borders Within: The trans-Nigerian road trip”, which is aimed at “a critical reflection of Nigeria”.

Emeka Okereke, the founder and creative director of the organisation, at a press conference which held at the centre for contemporary arts, Yaba, said while this was the 6th edition of the project, it is the first time it will be held in Nigeria alone.

He said the project will run for six weeks starting from May 12th to June 26th. During the course of the project, participating photographers, writers and filmmakers will produce images and text that reflect impressionistic, yet critical readings of contemporary Nigeria. They will visit 14 states starting and ending in Lagos.

According to Okereke,“an invisible border is the distance between preconceived notion and freshly acquired perception”.

He said his work will tend to be about the space of transition saying “we always talk about invisible borders and we think these borders are outside but by the time you travel on the road trip, you realize that there are also borders within you and so it becomes a question of how you react to those challenges and obstacles”.

This year, the team consists of seven writers and photographers; Zaynab Odunsi, Emeka Okereke, Uche Okonkwo, Eloghosa Osunde, Yagazi Emezi, Emmanuel Iduma and Yinka Elujoba.

Odunsi said she will be exploring the topic; stereotype of the masculinity in the post colonial Nigeria, while Okonkwo said she will be exploring the diversity of Nigeria; asking a major question- is diversity a unifying or dividing factor among Nigerians?

Emezi said she will be exploring the relationship people have with their physical scars outside their ethnic markings and Elujoba said he will be looking at how maps affect us and our knowledge of geography. Helping people understand their country better through maps.

Eloghosa said she will be working on a theme based on the idea that it is not about where we are from in terms of geographical locations but about who we are from in terms of people we are close to and those who raised us.

Iduma said he is interested in the idea of being a stranger in a place and will be exploring how his life enters into the life of others and how he can draw close to people in a place he has never been and may never be to again.

When asked about what they feared most about embarking on the trip, Uche said “coming back alive”. She also said she had been discouraged by her former boss from going but she believes this is an opportunity that may never come by again.

Eloghosa said her own family held a family meeting when she told them about it and even when they discouraged

her, she refused to let their words sway her from what she wanted and that now, seeing herself here, she has nothing to be afraid of.

Okereke commended the sponsors and said he was excited to be going on the trip with so many talented individuals.

To follow them on this journey, you can visit their website.