Christmas is a popular, prominent and highly celebrated season in Nigeria, where familial unity is emphasised as Nigerians return to their villages from within the country and even from locations abroad.
For Neec Nonso, this festive season bore the most exciting moments of his childhood. He relives these memories through his portrait series, Christmas and Clothes, capturing children in their Christmas outfits, brandishing their Christmas gifts as props.
Nonso grew up in South East Nigeria, however, he embarks upon extensive journeys through the country for his wide-ranging documentary photography. For this particular series, however, Nonso moved closer to home, photographing subjects from Omor, Anambra State.
For the retrospective photo-series, Nonso illustrates his childhood memories through the medium of expression he has developed as an adult. He explains his motivations for the series, in an artist statement, saying:
“I am reflecting on childhood memories by examining what is popular amongst youngsters celebrating Christmas, and interrogating on a deeper scale — the universality of celebration which cuts across social classes.”
Over the years, Nonso has received critical acclaim for his emotive images, winning multiple awards. Challenging the stereotypical narratives told about Nigeria, Nonso also co-founded #NorthIsNot — a collective of artists who share the multifaceted reality of Northern Nigeria.
It is with this same anti-stereotypical mind that Nonso envisioned a portrayal of Christmas in Nigeria that is so unique yet so telling of the way the festive season is celebrated here. You can see more of the Christmas and Clothes series below:
You may be interested
Ipswich Hold Man United To 1-1 Draw In Amorim’s First Game In Charge
Webby - November 24, 2024Manchester United had to settle for a 1-1 draw at lowly Ipswich Town in Rúben Amorim’s first match in charge.Marcus…
Premier League: Chelsea Overcome Leicester City Away
Webby - November 23, 2024Chelsea defeated Leicester City 2-1 in their Premier League clash at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.Nicolas Jackson gave Chelsea…
CAFCC: Olanrewaju Explains Enyimba’s Switch To Uyo Grass Pitch Ahead Al-Masry Clash
Webby - November 23, 2024Yemi Olanrewaju, Head Coach of Enyimba, has explained to Completesports.com the rationale behind the team’s relocation to the Godswill Akpabio…