OHOTS
of presentation are all elements expressing our own subjectivity and accordingly defining our personality.”
On this springboard, the workshop is propelled by the ultimate vision of launching its photographers into the international limelight. Through exchange programmes with other institutions worldwide, it hopes to burnish the professional credentials of its products.
There are also plans to launch a publishing platform for releasing books and zines as well as to expand online presentations on an extensive website and social media platforms like Instagram. This is in addition to plans of organising exhibitions, aimed at furthering the career of the workshop participants and associates within its network.
“A dream is to compile a photography collection, in print and database primarily on the participants’ works stored in our base in Lagos. Yes, a base in Lagos will be fantastic, a permanent space, with classrooms, digital facilities like computers and printers, as well as studio equipment and a library with main focus on African photography… Aren’t dreams made to become true? We will definitely work on that!” With the imminent increase of participants, the possibility of the workshop becoming a bi-annual affair is now on the table. This, Ocherbauer hopes, will consolidate on its gains. “I’m supervising long-term projects via internet already, but it is such a difference to talk in person. Also from the networking aspect, the programme implies not only the actual teaching, it is also important to keep up a platform where photographers can meet and exchange ideas. We do this now via the social media, but again, personal experiences are making such a difference. I cannot predict how fast things are moving but we are already working in this direction.” An exhilarating two-week stay in Lagos made leaving the mega-city difficult for Ocherbauer. She misses the glut of talents, creative energy and ambition, which she thinks are “all wonderful and needed ingredients for a vibrant cultural scene”.
She added: “Everybody seems to know everybody... This of course encourages all kinds of gossip, as is always the case when there is not much space given to escape into alternative scenes.
My friends, who do fantastic work here, are interacting internationally. They are travelling abroad, which I think is crucial for survival as an artist these days. Every artist, no matter where he or she is based, has to participate in global discussions, has to open up her or his horizon to make a significant statement. But still, Lagos-based artists I know highly acknowledge the unique inspiration given by their home town, stressing the advantages of the African heritage at present times…”
Ocherbauer hopes to see more galleries – especially the less commercial ones – and independent art spaces spring up in Lagos. “There is a lot of wealth in the country. Let’s open the eyes for the arts and find support for all kinds of cultural approaches. The commercial side, poison for every artistic expression, will then become less important. Culture is what remains at the end…” Her advice to young photographers? “Find something you are passionate about, shoot your way through this obsession with bravery and you will have a potential great project. Follow your instincts more than any advices, and above all, believe in yourself.”