Week 3 - Exhibition Analysis

This week as a class we took a trip to the Autograph Gallery to see the series Abi Morocco Photos: The Spirit of Lagos

Abi Morocco Photos: The Spirit of Lagos, Anthony Village, Lagos, 1975

In the portrait above, a boy is pictured in the center of the frame with what seems to be a young boy or girl poking their head into frame from the right against a residential backdrop. The photographer most likely used a medium or large format camera to capture this image, due to the size of the photo as well as its square shape. The photographer most likely took this photo using a relatively large aperture, letting in a lot of light as the photo was took. This is due to the fact that while it seems to be night in the setting of the portrait, the subject is visible as well as some of the surrounding background. This aspect is also achieved with the help of an artificial light source, most likely a large light in front of the subject or with the use of a flash. This is due to the fact that the shadows are directly behind the subject, meaning the light source is coming from directly in front of him. The depth of field in this photo seems to be on the medium to shorter end, as the subject is clearly in focus however the building in the background is slightly blurry. This also contributes to the conclusion of the aperture being on the larger end in this photo. The point of view in this photo is at eye-level with the subject. This creates a feeling of connection with the subject, as the attention of the viewer is directed at the subjects eyes. The use of light allows the viewer to see the pattern on the subjects outfit, as well as the texture of the walls and buildings behind him. These aspects along with the other child peeking into frame grants the viewer a sense of familiarity. The viewer is able to get a glance at what day to day life was like in Lagos during this time, and this photo captures a playful and lively atmosphere.

The Spirit of Lagos exhibition as a whole captures the life of the residents of Lagos during the 1970s primarily. At the time, Nigeria was experiencing economic rapid upturn due to an oil boom. This allowed for Lagos to prosper economically and socially, and this exhibition gives the viewer a look into the themes present during the time in Lagos. Almost all of the photos are portraits, with the subject(s) photographed in the center of the frame as the main feature. The subjects are often wearing extravagant patterned clothing with detailed and beautiful patterns all around them. While the exhibition is pictured in black and white, the vibrancy of the clothing and setting of Lagos during the time is on full display with the use of light and tone. The subjects are often photographed with an object such as a guitar or telephone, adding to the liveliness of the subjects and exhibition. The exhibition is successful as a series, its many compositional aspects give the viewer a look into the vibrancy, community, and artistry that dominated Lagos during the time.