Africa 2006 - 2013

In the name of progress and economic development much of Africa’s natural beauty is being eliminated. As the need for food and arable land increases, wildlife and natural plants are being cleared to make space for maize fields and vegetable gardens.

Plastic kitsch and poor representations of animals and plants have replaced the previous splendor and colour of Africa. In hotels, restaurants and public spaces, the presence of unnaturally bright, artificial flowers, wild animals and other depictions are a poor reminder of the past. The modern effigies, often made in China, are juxtaposed against backdrops that are often stark and unadorned. These uncomfortable compositions, juxtapose the real and unreal Africa and capture reminiscences of a past relationship between nature and man.

The photographs to date have been made while working in 12 African countries; Malawi, Mali, Uganda, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania, The Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Swaziland, South Africa and Angola.