RGHAYATI

tobia:

Toyin Odutola
Uncertain, yet reserved.
(Adeola: Abuja Airport, Nigeria)
2012 

Acrylic ink and pen ink on board. 20 x 30 inches.

DETAIL:

 
When I started taking photos of my brothers from our family trip to Nigeria, I was open to whatever the trip took us. When there was a slight, unexpected moment, a candid expresion or reaction, I made sure I captured it with my point and shoot. Yet, even when I compiled all the photographs, I was still at a loss as to what it would all lead to, what it would all mean. When I see my brothers in these moments splayed out on my computer, I see the events written all over their faces, even if these events aren’t captured in the photos themselves. So, in the translation, in these drawings, I aim to provide that information through their features, their expressions, their skin. In essence, the actions are literally written on their faces. I still don’t know what to call this series, but with this large one completed, I feel like I’m onto something. Like the photos I took, I’m still open to what the overall interpretation will be.