Resurrection

The pandemic left a huge psychological and mental dent on me. I was faced with an uphill battle of survival in my life and in my career. My creative well had run dry and I found myself drifting aimlessly without any spark of inspiration. The uninterrupted pace of life, made it seem like time was slipping through my fingers leaving me constantly behind. Except for time, everything stood still. I had just applied for a master’s degree and had to wait all through the pandemic to get a response only to get rejected. I had let numerous relationships slip away from my grasp, leaving me with a profound sense of loss. I also found myself facing formidable financial hurdles that demanded my utmost attention and ingenuity. After the pandemic, despite the repeated setbacks, I persevered and made countless attempts to rise again, refusing to stay down, but I kept hitting the rock. I had to move back to my parents’ home on the outskirts of Lagos. I was received with an outpouring of heartfelt affection and genuine warmth. I was enveloped by home’s soothing aura and captivated by its serenity. Home became an indispensable cornerstone, providing solace, stability, and an unwavering sense of belonging, all of which played a pivotal role in my path to recovery One very important part of my return home, is my parent's garden. Nestled beside a gentle stream, the garden cultivates the most exquisite flora and plants. The air carries a pure and soothing quality, as it delicately rustles the trees, providing a profoundly calming and soothing ambiance. It became a haven where I retreat to meditate and commune with the depths of my inner self, finding solace and clarity amidst its tranquil embrace. It was from here I found peace, initiating the process of restoration and inner mending. As a result, I made the decision to honor my healing journey. I picked up my camera and had my younger brother; Olabisi, pose for me while I took different photographs of him in the garden, symbolizing my ‘resurrection’ process. The photographs aimed to capture the dawn of this new chapter in my life. As my photographs are always metaphorical, there are emblems embedded in this project that represent my experience and journey, with the most significant being the plants, as plants seemingly have the ability to die during winter and emerge anew during spring or after receiving water. Resurrection is a project about the feeling of rebirth, refreshment, and positivity. It’s a reflection of emotions, marking the beginning of recovery from a long period of darkness and gloom. It is a symbolization of breaking through the long-standing shroud of darkness and ushering in a renewed sense of hope and light.