When you look at the rocks in contrast with the smooth blackness of the boy’s body—he who stands to the right and has an expression of amusement—the mood of the picture shifts in register from solid to supple. About the other boy, is it possible to notice anything besides his unwelcome glance? Consider the almost-new fade of his hair, the small bulge of a knife pushing out from his hand, and how tightly he holds the net. He carries himself with the gravity of responsibility, as if by turning his back to the white walls he is more attentive to the gains of lowly labour.
— Emmanuel Iduma
This photograph was made in Cape Coast, Ghana, close to the Castle where there were slave trade activities. I was on assignment looking at how climate change was affecting forts and castles. While waiting to get in, I decided to take a walk around. The scene of the fishing folks reminded me of photographs of the legendary Ghanaian photographer James Barnor. I wondered how much has changed since James Barnor photographed places like this. I started to make photographs in the black and white square format hoping to put them side by side with Barnor’s photos. Also, since the Castle has received a large number of visitors in recent years due to the “Year of Return,” I wondered how much it has impacted the lives of the people living by the Castle.
This photograph easily communicates what I am trying to achieve with the project idea I am developing: the relationship between the castle and the people that live by it. In the photograph, two boys are taking the weight off a fishing net and they look up at the moment they noticed I was photographing them. Behind them is a sea defence wall and the white Castle.
My approach to photography is surely journalistic and documentary. A lack of information limits us in decision making. Photography is information and data. Photography gives me access to information that I can share. When used in the right way can be very impactful.
— Nipah Dennis
Nipah Dennis has been working as a photographer for a decade. He works as a full-time photographer pursuing social documentary interests in addition to his practice as a photojournalist working with local and international media organisations. See more of his work on his website, and on Instagram.
