Makoko Men Bonding Painting

This painting is from a photograph that was part of my exhibited work at the 50th Venice Biennale, Italy (2003) and it was also exhibited at the 5th Gwangju Biennale in South Korea 2004. I was in the slum of Lagos -- well known as Makoko, at the fringes of the lagoon of the Atlantic ocean in the Lagos megalopolis for about 2 weeks. In this image, I met with these gentlemen in their 2 room tight apartment on the stilt. They were having a relaxation time. They were essentially fishermen that worked the Atlantic ocean. The friend on the left brought his sound box to listen to some music with his friends... the hosts. The muscular host on the right is also a Dee Jay in addition to being a fisherman and local canoe maker. I joined them in their hilarious banter as I made my pictures. ** Any time from now it is reported, the community may be evacuated to another far flung area. And this place may become remodeled for a new project by the government. They are happy within their community and life goes on with acceptance of their reality as they try to make life an improved experience for themselves. I painted this work, in an expressionism manner putting emphasis only on the content, which is "bonding and community" inspite all odds especially if you live a privileged life or better than these folks. So create your world and fun regardless.