Shadows and Dust
A Photograph by Abdul Hamid Kanu Jr.
His dark coat is oversized, and it covers everything on his upper body except the V of his chest, which reveals ridges of bones. He is the figure whose presence on the hazy street is sharpest, as though he is the only ghost among many who has allowed himself to be seen. And his strides seem purposeful and quick-paced. It is an afternoon when he is without excuse. One foot disappears into the edge of the frame, an inch forward.
Abdul Hamid Kanu Jr.: “My photography is focused on documenting the poetic nuances in our daily lives.”
This photograph was taken in Freetown, on Siaka Stevens street.
I was walking down the street to thrift a few shirts. I heard the sound of a loud truck as it emitted smoke that clouded the street. This stranger was walking up to where I was coming from and I had just a few seconds to lift up my camera, press the shutter, and continue going about my walk. All that had to be done without being noticed because people still frown upon being photographed candidly, which I totally understand.
This photograph like many others I have made are part of my daily observations in the streets of Freetown as I go about my day. This photograph feels like a self-portrait to me describing my struggle as an artist in these times we live in now. It was widely appreciated on my social media and when I listed it as an NFT it was collected by Misan Harriman to be part of the Tezos Foundation permanent collection. I am grateful it got such recognition.
Currently my photography is focused on documenting the poetic nuances in our daily lives and the overall human experience, even though these moments are fleeting. The fleeting nature of a moment begs for it to be documented, no matter how mundane it may seem.
As someone who has dealt with anxiety, photography is the escape that led to my self-discovery. This practice has aided me in being present and noticing minute details in my surroundings and how they affect my health. Take light for instance, I always have to balance the highlights and shadows in a photo. Same way I need to balance the light in my life. As chaotic as the streets I document, there's always a beautiful scene and most times the chaos is the beauty in itself.
Two photographs by Abdul Hamid Kanu Jr.
About Abdul Hamid Kanu Jr.
Abdul Hamid Kanu is a Sierra Leonean photographer living and working in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Inspired by the beauty of everyday life and people, he chronicles time by using the city streets, neighbourhood, sea side, and public transportation as his backdrop. See more of his work and support him on Instagram.
Last Week: Verity FitzGerald
Those nights on Robben Island, alone and free to roam as I liked, were both eery and magical—a very intimate experience. The history of the island weighed heavily on me and seeing this one lonely building gazing back at the mainland as dawn broke, felt poignant.
Read More: The Ebb Tide
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This is the 46th edition of this publication. The newsletter can also read on web (best for viewing images), and via the Substack iOS/Android apps. Every week I feature one photograph and the photographer who took it: you’d read a short caption from me, and a statement from the photographer. My goal is to support early to mid-career African photographers by engaging with their work. If this newsletter was shared with you, consider subscribing, or forward to a friend. And if you missed the newsletter, please check your spam or promotions folder, and whitelist the newsletter.
When I first looked at the opening photograph, I think it's Broad street Lagos, then the number plates on the cars catch my eye and i realize, this is not Nigeria. But stripped of the number plates, this could be a Lagos street. Stripped I mean, like the second and third photographs.
Stripped of everything but the man who is the main subject and he could be walking the run way for Armani.
I am reminded that anything is possible and you also have to put your best foot forward each time.