What did you achieve during this creative residency ? What is the result (created work) ?
Africalia’s grant allowed me to enter a creative residency. My creative process took place in three phases. The first stage was devoted to the identification of the sets, a casting of models and shooting tests. The second phase dealt with the actual shooting in the city of Dakar and in Casamance. It triggered a lot of curiosity and I found an opportunity to raise awareness on the necessity : to wear the mask, and to protect oneself against malaria by avoiding the places at risk. The mosquito net was presented as a means of protection. The third phase was devoted to the selection and the processing of the photos. the result is which is a slide presentation with a musical background.
How do you think these activities contribute to a reflection on today’s world, in relation to the COVID-19 crisis, and/or on the shaping of the future ?
The statistics agreed that COVID-19 would cause a very large number of casualties in Africa. Although this did not happen, we must admit that this pandemic revealed the weakness of the health systems and social coverage in our countries. For once, we are witnessing a situation in which all countries feel concerned : a crisis that threatens the survival of the human species.
My activities are taking place in a context where it is time for an introspective look at our socio-economic choices and our society models. It is a favorable environment to be a source of propositions and to disseminate new ideas. Hoping that this will resonate with decision-makers and populations. My activities are carried out with this intention, to participate in the building of a new paradigm in which every citizen will be treated with dignity, where collaboration replaces competition.
How did you feel during the residency ? And at the end of it ?
My feeling during the residency was deep because I realized that Covid-19 was in certain way born from globalization. It now affects all aspects of social life and, above all, the economy, the driving force of so-called modern societies. Without this globalization and the speed at which people move today, perhaps the virus would have been limited to Wuhan. During this residency I was confronted with the harsh reality of rural inhabitants’ way of life as well as working-class neighborhoods having no space at home to respect social distancing recommendations.
The first difficulties I encountered were already at the level of casting, no women willing to participate. I had to work at 70% with subjects I already knew well before covid19.
It has to be said that this crisis has made families more closed in and made people suspicious. I had a hard time because some public places were forbidden. I am 80% satisfied with the result, I think I could do better if we had more time.
