Zina Saro-Wiwa, British-Nigerian
Niger Delta: A Documentary (film still), 2015
The image drawn from Saro-Wiwa’s documentary features a red, plastic chair offset by the moving waters of the Omo River. By design, the work is a peaceful testament to the Niger Delta and the life it contains and supports. While media narratives of the Niger Delta evoke mass violence in terms of ecological and societal devastation, Saro-Wiwa’s image offers an alternative depiction of the area. There are no vivid gas flares or aerial photographs of oil spillage, but the image is still potent in its portrayal of everyday interactions with the Niger Delta. Saro-Wiwa reminds the viewer that the Niger Delta still exists, that the environment and individuals are resilient, and that they can speak for themselves. Label by Eliza Madison