Fragaments
At times, I contemplate whether my innermost feelings will find resonance with a single soul, revealing my soul's depth. I yearn for the day when understanding dawns, deciphering the visions before me. I comprehend that my art, though appreciated by many, elicits genuine emotion from just a select few. Within these images lie reflections of boundless emotions, blessings that have graced my life. Glimpsed by millions, they endure as constants amid the ever-changing landscapes of new locations, structures, and souls. For some, love emanates, for others, pain stirs, while for a few, they remain devoid of emotion. Growing up on Maputo's outskirts, I once believed these images were exclusive to our challenges, joys, and blessings. Yet, as I matured, I found kindred sentiments in other similar locales, cities, and countries across our cherished Africa. Yearning to experience more, I've heard and seen accounts of places that stir an indescribable longing. In essence, some behold a beautiful image, while others are moved to goosebumps, reliving an infinite sea of memories. Every perspective is unique, filtered through the lens of individuality, inspiring my artistic pursuit to immerse them all.
In Africa, the informal economy sector significantly impacts the allocation of economic and financial resources, both domestic and foreign (trade, investment, or aid). This has resulted in challenges in implementing effective development strategies and hindering the intended modernization of the African continent.
On average, the informal sector contributes approximately 60% to the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of African countries, playing a crucial role in addressing issues such as unemployment and poverty. It serves as a vital driver of job creation, income generation, and overall economic and social development.
Notably, the informal sector’s significance is underscored by its substantial contribution to income distribution, which is essential for the survival of many individuals, particularly women and the unemployed.
The issue of development in Africa is intricately tied to the informal economy, as its prominence emerged due to successive failures of previously implemented development models.
The prevalence of the informal sector is primarily driven by necessity, as the formal sector often fails to generate new employment opportunities or offer unemployment benefits. Consequently, the informal economy thrives in various forms and practices across African countries.
“Time stops and you are now able to observe what your eyes cannot see, the moments that go unnoticed, the beauty that lurks behind the noise of the city.” They are fragments of our daily lives, they are elements that make up African society and culture. The way that our community moves, the way that Africans behave, is our living, our real lifestyle, a little bit of our essence. And in this episode a fragment of our modos vivendi will be highlighted, which is the informal economy, in a brief and simple way, which mostly stands out for informal activities, informal markets, etc. This exhibition offers a unique experience to its observers, several stories to be told and also created.
South Africa, Cape Town, 2021 / Youngblood Gallery
