"Stripped Bare" by Otobong Nkanga depicts various structures in western Nigeria. The images reflect a noticeable mismatch between the function of the structures and their surroundings. These structures are personal initiatives, often lacking embellishments, and are frequently disproportionate to the local population. The series serves to highlight the impact of decisions on the landscape, revealing ongoing construction, individual dreams, and a sense of disillusionment.
These images, as a collective, suggests a study or exploration of development and habitation in natural settings. They seem to illustrate different phases of construction or abandonment, invoking themes of change, decay, or the passage of time. They might also be indicative of a larger narrative or research interest in architectural forms, human impact on the environment, or the interaction between man-made structures and nature.
The images evoke a sense of isolation or disuse, perhaps hinting at socio-economic conditions, rural development, or postcolonial spaces' challenges. Given the thematic consistency in the images shown, there's a palpable tension between the encroachment of human activity into natural spaces and the reclamation of these structures by the environment. This interplay could be a potent commentary on the impermanence of human endeavors in contrast to the persistent growth and adaptation of the natural world.
