"I have been a Keke driver for over 9 years and I have used this same inscription - Family Man - for every tricycle I ever drove. This inscription serves as a message to myself and other road users, that family comes first. Everyday I drive through the streets, I have it at the back of my mind that my wife and children look forward to me returning in the evening. For this reason, I drive carefully and always avoid anything that could put my safety in jeopardy. The caption also attract passengers who often board my Keke saying, since you are family man, you must be a responsible driver."
- Kindness, Abuja - Nigeria. September, 2020.
- Kindness, Abuja - Nigeria. September, 2020.
WORDS ON WHEELS
Seeing the call for submissions for the BdA festival themed; Mi Soon Come was an opportunity for me to showcase some of my work around transportation. As an artist, I adopt a documentary approach to my photography - highlighting life and issues through images. My motivation to create art and tell stories come from things I observe and learn from everyday life - life itself is a story and it's full of stories.
This project, Words on Wheels, explores the interesting intersection of transportation and visual communication. I have always been intrigued by the culture of drivers using their vehicles to pass messages to the public, this BdA fellowship has given the opportunity to develop this work. This series celebrates the creativity and thought behind these written expressions which cuts across matters of self-identity, religious beliefs, personal experiences, idiosyncrasies on societal issues. It explores how these drivers utilize their vehicles (Keke NAPEP) for artistic and cultural expressions and the underlying desire for unconventional means of self-expression.
By engaging with the subjects (drivers) and creating their images, this work highlights the philosophy of my artistic work - telling people-centred stories.
"Ojochenemi, a name in Igala language (North Central, Nigeria) translates to 'God is with me'. The intention of this name on my tricycle is to remind myself that I can navigate everyday life with God on my side."
- Ojochenemi, Abuja Nigeria. September, 2020.
"I believe in Christ Jesus and this words serve as a welcoming message to every passenger who boards my Keke. It also a way of me broadcasting the gospel".
- Peter, Abuja Nigeria. September, 2020.
Bakinka Alekun; Hausa (a popular language in West Africa) phrase that means Keep your mouth shut. My message to folks is to remain mute whenever they have nothing meaningful to say. Often times, people are quick to discredit others and say things that add no value to lives, my little piece of advice to such people is to keep quiet.
- Mohammed, Abuja Nigeria, September, 2020.
