Money Must Be Made, by Lorenzo Vitturi

in

Why?

“This book reinforces the notion that power lies with the people. A study of reverse gentrification, Vitturri carefully documents the second biggest street market in West Africa and how it has reclaimed the business district forcing many corporations out of its busy environs. Perhaps it's the rebel in me, but this book made me proud to see the blatant defiance of the market people who truly hold all the power in this area. The images are sculptural, whimsical, and breathtaking.”
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- Wunika Mukan, Curator

Delta Nigeria - The Rape of Paradise, by George Osodi

in

Why?

“This was the first photo book I ever owned. It was signed and given to me by my dear friend George Osodi, who I did not realize at the time as one of Africa’s most prolific and important documenters. I knew he traveled a lot and his photography was revered, but until I opened this book I did not realize every time George was away he was putting his life in serious danger in the Niger Delta capturing what we (Nigerians) and the rest of the world were doing to destroy his hometown all in the name of crude oil. How can something as tragic and devastating as impoverished inhabitants forgotten in their poisoned environment be so poetically breathtaking at the same time. I became hooked on photography after this book was placed in my hands.”
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- Wunika Mukan, Curator

This is What Hatred Did, by Cristina de Middel

in

Why?

“The combination of Amos Tutola's text, Cristina de Middel's images and Makoko, a Lagos based water community built on stilts, is pure magic. It remains difficult for me to list a more breath taking interpretation of this part of Lagos which holds so much history, tension and mystery. This book inspired me to take another look at Lagos my home, and question what I considered its magic.”
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- Wunika Mukan, Curator