Five boys crouch over an area of land. They are defeathering a chicken. Their lips open in proportion to the spread of their respective smiles. The boys on the flanks maintain a sure-handed hold on the bird’s limbs. The one in the middle, smallest in body size, wears a hallmark of childhood in his missing front teeth. Their collective bearing is sure, suggesting that the group knows its way about the business at hand. Specks of feather hover about the centre of the incomplete oval they have formed—like a spray of confetti launched in celebration of a coming feast.
— moshood
I took the picture in Kumbungu, in the Northern Region of Ghana. I was on assignment for an organisation in the town when I came across these kids. I asked them for a photo, but I didn't take it right away. I said I'd be back, wanting to capture them in their natural setting. I returned after 30 minutes and saw them occupied as shown. I took the shot, aiming to freeze a genuine, everyday moment in their lives. The scene reminded me of my own childhood. I used to have similar moments with friends. But we never took pictures; just memories in our minds. Working with NGOs in rural areas, I often see myself in the moments that I encounter.
Photography serves as a powerful tool for change. Historically, our stories have often been misrepresented because they weren't told by us. Through photography, we have the means to narrate our own stories authentically, dispel misconceptions and alter stereotypes. This empowers us to showcase our true identity, providing a visual medium to counteract the distortions of the past. In essence, photography becomes a means of reclaiming our narratives and presenting an accurate portrayal of who we are.
— Evans Ahorsu.
Born on March 31, 1991 in Fodome Xelu to Ghanaian parents, Evans Ahorsu is a photographer and visual artist. Evans completed his visual art studies at Kpando Secondary School and further honed his skills in graphic and web design at the IPMC College of Technology. He channels his wide-ranging curiosity through travel, with a focus on culture, art, and religion. He currently resides in Bolgatanga. See more of his work on Instagram.LASR
