COMMON PLACE, Photographs by Akinbode Akinbiyi
kerstin September 28th, 2008
COMMON PLACE
Taking the idea of „common space“ as a starting point, Filter’s next exhibition features the work of urban photographer Akinbode Akinbiyi exploring cityscapes in Lagos, Nigeria and elsewhere. The word “commonplace” invokes the idea of something pedestrian, familiar and therefore often overlooked. Reflecting on the realities of everyday urban life in not only West Africa but also elsewhere, Akinbiyi’s work exposes the politics of place in a city’s common space. After having spent the last decades in constant transition between Berlin, Lagos and many other metropolises, Akinbode Akinbiyi’s images relate his autobiographical experience walking the city’s many surfaces – places which have been marked by the globalizing forces of media and business, and still others being negotiated in multicultural neighbourhoods.
The project is initiated by FILTER in collaboration with South-African curator Clare Butcher. Together with the exhibition of Akinbode Akinbiyi, FILTER is organizing a workshop. A selection of Akinbiyi’s works will be presented together with the results of the photo workshop, images taken by young people living in the immediate P40 neighbourhood.
“Common Space” is the first single exhibition of Akinbode Akinbiyi in Hamburg. The exhibition of his works at FILTER comes at the same time as the European Month of Photography in Berlin. Here, Akinbiyi, as a well known photographer and curator (Founder of “Recontres 2007”, the international photography biennial in Bamako, Mali), will present a selection of current African photography based on the subject of urbanism. Ifa-gallery Berlin, will present these works as part of the series, “Spot on”,from the 24.10.2008 until 11.01.2009. For further information please visit http://www.mdf-berlin.de/
Curator: Clare Butcher
Initiative: FILTER/Kerstin Niemann
Assistance: Inga-Lena Vöpel
Opening: “Common Place” 19th of October, 3pm
Duration: 19th of October until 2nd of November 2008
Opening hours: Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays: 2 till 6 pm
and after appointment
Workshop Theme: What are you favourite locations and space in your neighbourhood? Where do you spend time with your friends?
Workshop Time: 18th of October, 2-5pm
Calre Butcher (curator) with workshop guests
Workshop in Barmbek
Workshop display
Location: FILTER at P40, Alte Pathologie, Friedrichsberger Strasse, Barmbek-Süd
Directions FILTER/P40: U2 until Hamburger Straße, then take Holsteinischer Kamp until the end (ca. 500 m), then cross the street to the left until the old red bricklike building.
Alternative: S1 until Friedrichsberg, then cross the terrain of the hospital until you reach
Friedrichsberger Straße, on your left-hand side you see an old red brick building.