Street Photography Awards 2015

Young Rising: The African Urban landscape Eye-catching, colorful and hand-painted! This best describes the creative signage seen in the African urban environment including advertisements, graffiti, and even wearable art. The designs and slogans are created by young Africans from traditional as well as contemporary pop culture such as Hip Hop Music. Found everywhere, this popular artwork livens up what would otherwise be a shabby environment in third world cities like Freetown, Nairobi, Accra or Monrovia. These photographs are part of a long-term project as I return to the different African countries that I have lived in over the years. They document how young, fashion-conscious, Western-influenced young Africans use language and symbols to define themselves. Words and expressions are a blend or an adaption of local and western languages, like “barbing shop”. With more Internet connections the signage is beginning to reflect the modern world. By looking at what names young people call their businesses, what they like to wear, and the graffiti they paint on walls we can better understand the youth culture. It is a testament to the human spirit and the universal desire to be creative.