Know Your Backyard

A Photograph by Kay Kwabia

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“Having a pleasant visual experience adds to the quality of life.”

This photograph was taken in Koforidua, the capital town of the Eastern Region of Ghana. I was on a hike to explore some natural water features and rock formations with my dad. It is an obscure location which I had been looking forward to explore for months.

It was a pretty short but demanding hike. My dad descended first, and while he photographed the scene on his mobile device, I documented his admiration of the waterfall . I was initially skeptical to descend to where he was, but he encouraged me to get down there. It was worth it.

I had had a physical limitation earlier in the year and doubted if I would ever be able to go on hikes and climbs, which I quite enjoy. This photograph was documented on my first hike after I got better. It is a reminder to keep expectations alive regardless of the circumstance.

My first priority when documenting anything is the aesthetic value. Color, light and form has always fascinated me and through photography I am able to express how I perceive them. No matter the subject I may be documenting, I place emphasis on how to make their colors and form look interesting and highlight how light gives them character.

Photography provides the vehicle to transmit perspectives to a varied audience. This provides the opportunity for diverse conversations to be had, be they subjective or general. Apart from the deeper impact, having a purely superficial, pleasant visual experience, adds to the quality of life.

— Kay Kwabia

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Life moves in a ceaseless flow.

His legs are astride, likely in order to steady himself. Note this: a man takes care with the distribution of his weight while he takes a photograph and stands on a rock, an element of nature known for its solidity. But the rock forms are undulant, as though they are made of the same properties as the stream. From a certain perspective, it seems, all life moves in a ceaseless flow.

— Emmanuel Iduma

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About Kay Kwabia

“My photography is non-linear,” says Kay, who works in Ghana. “I document subjects which holds my intrigue or put together ideas and execute them. As such my practice is heavily influenced by art, fashion, landscapes and everyday life.” Find out more about his work through his Instagram page, and through this Akut magazine interview.

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Last Week — Jono Terry

Strangely enough, I was waiting for a clear frame of the swimming pool. It was the first week of August school holidays and despite it only just being the beginning of Spring and not particularly hot, the pool was surprisingly full. These three gentlemen had been swimming widths when they decided to take a break and warm up in the sun and everything just fell into place.

Read More: Boys at Borrow Street

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This is the 49th 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 statement from the photographer, and a short caption from me. 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. Please whitelist the newsletter to ensure you never miss it.