A Shot in the Light
A Shot in the Light is an ongoing series that explores the personal motivations of first generation immigrants that drive their quest to move elsewhere. Despite the multitude of often-challenging reasons why people move, negative attitudes towards migration exist, with terms like "gelukszoeker" (fortune seeker) often used to portray immigrants in a negative light.
The first part of the series features my father, whois retiring from his job of 12 years. Through multiple interviews, I gained insight into his journey and why he decided to move to the Netherlands after living in various countries. With almost thirty years of living in The Netherlands, his retirement represents a significant achievement and a way to reflect on life outside of the daily hustle that is often present for migrants. The images aim to celebrate and acknowledge all immigrants while offering unique interpretations of their journey.
In the main portrait, I incorporated Nigeria's currency, the Naira, to connect my father's story to his home country and prompt reflection on the different reasons why people leave their country of origin.
