Turkana

Since 2010, Shacola has traveled to Turkana in Kenya where one of the most beautiful tribes in the world lives. 5 years ago, oil was discovered there. Over the years, she has seen how this amazing tribe struggles to survive while preserving their customs and traditions as they are faced with new political and economic interests. With her series, Turkana, the artist hopes to not only raise awareness about this tension but also document and preserve a way of life that might soon be lost forever. Life has always been hard for this nomadic tribe. Long draughts and high temperatures make water scarce. The Turkana survive because of their symbiotic relationship with the elements. Women and children walk kilometers daily to then spend hours digging holes in dry riverbeds to find water but life as they know it is being threatened because foreign economic interests are now at stake as foreign companies drill for oil. The people of Turkana have been Shacola's compass as she navigates the pressure on this social landscape. The portraits give a small glimpse into the sweeping challenges invading their lives. Drilling happens next to women desperately digging for water. Politicians distribute rags to dress the women more modestly. Oil pipes “plough” the desert. The invasion of outsiders leaves distinct footprints. This is how a new country is formed, with its destination unknown. This is a portrait of the new era looming in the distant horizon.