Join us for an evening of film screening followed by a conversation with Akinbode Akinbiyi moderated by Emeka Okereke.
Date: October 4, 2023 Time: 17:00 Location: Risky Lounge, Boddinstr. 10, 12053 Berlin
In the short film, 'I WONDER AS I WANDER' (2019–20), directed by Emeka Okereke, two Berlin-based Nigerian photographers of different generations engage in a filmic dialogue that transpires between Berlin and Bamako. It captures Akinbode Akinbiyi's decades-long pursuit of interrelating photographic processes with the physical and mental rigour of wandering. This weaving of sequences provides a glimpse into essential acts of daily observation, corporeal movement, urban noise and the study of light. While Akinbiyi closely identifies with sacred philosophies of Yorubaland in connection to rhythm, symmetry and balance, we might also consider in parallel the words of Nigerian novelist, poet and critic Chinua Achebe, who has noted, "Among the Igbo, the art of conversation is regarded very highly, and proverbs are the palm-oil with which words are eaten." Akinbiyi's photographs are conversation pieces, extending a dialogue between the viewer and the viewed. (Text by Natasha Ginwala)
Through a gentle and smoothly paced tone, Akinbiyi gives the audience a glimpse into his philosophy accrued over 40 years of wandering and witnessing the world as when he speaks of the act of "listening in".
For this film, Emeka Okereke draws on a conversation first recorded with Akinbiyi as part of his podcast programme NKATA.This version of the film is an extended cut that includes a conversation between Akinbode Akinbiyi and Natasha Ginwala, which took place inside Akinbode's solo exhibition (curated by Natasha), "Six Songs, Swirling Gracefully in The Taut Air", at Martin Gropius Bau Berlin.
The Venue:
Risky Lounge is a newly established Nigerian-themed night bar and restaurant in Neukölln Berlin. It became fully operational only after the Covid period. It is swiftly becoming a favourite location for anyone spoiling for tasty Nigerian dishes and music.Because "bodi no be firewood", the evening will end with music and dance with Sir Kupeski DJ at the helm.* Come with friends!**
*The cost of food and drinks is the responsibility of the attendees. **Entry is free, but registration is required due to limited seats.