Wilfried Nakeu was born in 1990 in Yaounde. He studied computer science before venturing into visual arts. His encounter with Cameroonian artist Alioum Moussa introduced him to multidisciplinary practices ranging from new media and video art, through to slam, music and photography.

This selection is part of a series developed during Nakeu’s visit to Benin as part of the 4th edition of Quinzaine de la photographie, photography encounters held in Benin in Oct-Nov 2017. While the work focuses on environment, water, fluvial activities including fishing, and women salt farmers, it also highlights makeshift achitecture and structures. Houses, roofs, partition walls, a jetty, boats and fishing devices blend in materials as diverse as grass, corrugated iron, wood, sticks and nets.

In addition to his sharp perspectives, Nakeu’s compositions are also imbued with a rich vibrancy. Paradoxically, here it is often the case that the rich colourful textures emanate from a blanket of waste. Which speaks to the living conditions of local inhabitants and traders whose daily life is a testimony to their resilience in adverse conditions.

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All images © Wilfried Nakeu.