Recently I have been exploring the ways art, and in particular, photography can play an active role in shaping public consciousness. Because art has the ability to affect us at deeply emotional levels, it is uniquely positioned to affect the way we see the world. 

I want my career to be marked by tangible impacts on the lives of people and our society in general so I am taking on important issues with my photography, trying to spark up conversations in society that have the potential to lead to change.

One conversation that I am currently participating in is the issue of Depression and Anxiety in Africa. A conversation that is often pushed into the background of societal discourse as a result of ignorance or flawed traditional/religious ideas.

My contribution to the conversation has been a group exhibition I curated called “The Peace Exhibit”. The exhibition features a collection of fine art portraits and literary works created by over 100 photographers, artists, and writers from across Africa, exploring the subject of depression, anxiety and the search for personal peace with the sole aim to stir up conversations and shed light on the issue.

The exhibition, since its launch, has received thousands of visitors from across the globe and quickly begun achieving its set goals. We have received feedback from Africans who have struggled with depression, who could recognize themselves in the incredible literature and photography featured in the exhibition and now know they are not alone, and that there is help available when they need it. We have also received feedback from people who, prior to visiting the exhibition thought depression was a caucasian problem but now realize it is also an African reality and as a result, have learned empathy.