Mind's Turbulence

A Photograph by Adedolapo Boluwatife

Nothing is shown of the light source, even if it is clear that the young man’s face is angled just so his face is neither entirely obscured nor fully lit. The obvious details of the young man’s face—a pursed mouth, curved chin, the cropped hair—seem to indicate a cluster of features selected from a large possible number. Skin can reflect light, but also refracts it. This photograph makes that assertion true and promising, as though it is possible to test for luminosity on dark skin.

— Emmanuel Iduma

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“My photography emerges from the depths of my mental and physical experiences.”

This photograph was taken during one of my regular visits to my family's home on the outskirts of Lagos. It shows my younger brother within my mother's garden, which provides an ideal backdrop for my photos. This garden has lately been a wellspring of inspiration, profoundly impacting my recent creative endeavors. The manner in which the light filters through the foliage creates a soft, inviting illumination and sets an ideal ambiance for my photographs.

I selected this specific photograph because of its relatability and its deep psychological resonance. It pays tribute to the intricate workings of the human mind and the internal battles that mold our thoughts, choices and behaviors. What I particularly love about this image is the gentle quality of the lighting and the overall atmosphere it imparts, and how it establishes a unique mood for the photograph. The way the light is cast, splitting the face, creates a distinct contrast that adds depth and texture to the image.

My photography emerges from the depths of my mental and physical experiences. I strive to shine a spotlight on my personal ideas and vague thoughts. I expose my obsessions, concerns, beliefs, adventures and ordeals through my works, using deliberately sourced lighting, unconventional compositions, captivating gestures, and a well constructed narrative style. My portfolio exhibits a spectrum of styles, ranging from direct and vivid representations to highly allegorical compositions, evident in my extensive use of symbolism. My artistic themes revolve around subjects such as beauty, gender, politics, mental health, climate, humanity, culture, and lifestyle.

— Adedolapo Boluwatife

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About Adedolapo Boluwatife

Adedolapo Boluwatife is a photographer and film maker from Lagos, Nigeria. His work is centered around fine art pictorialism, documentary, fashion, still life and experimental films. More on Instagram, Behance, Lensculture, and Nataal.

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LAST WEEK

— “Nearer, My God, to Thee,” by Onyekachi Iloh

Just a couple of meters away from me, was as group praying fervently, engaged in what I immediately identified as a deliverance session, having witnessed and been in several while growing up. I continued with my assignment and took two or three shots of the gathering offhandedly, in a way that wouldn't spook the people or make them uncomfortable. There were around three or four such groups littered on various parts of the hill, but this one was the largest and its members were the most animated.

Read more

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“Boats,” by Elaine Bleakney, in KINDRED

What shocks me about this image, scanned from a slide, a deepcut from the family album, is how difficult and painful their sisterhood was and how they share and seek each other out, even today. And my father, an outsider in so many ways, seeing something golden here, something he was starving to be part of, and to keep his distance from, and did.

Read more.

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SUPPORT TENDER PHOTO

This is the 86th edition of this publication, which also read on web (best for viewing images), and via the Substack iOS/Android apps.

Every Wednesday I feature one photograph and the photographer who took it: you’d read a short caption from me, and a statement from the photographer. Every Friday, I publish a series of commentaries in response to photographs previously featured on the newsletter. The ongoing series is KINDRED. My hope is to engage with early to mid-career African photographers, and to create a platform in which photographers lead the cataloguing and criticism of their work.

Photographers can now submit their work for consideration.

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