SOUTHERN EXPOSURE

his pensive portrait comes from the series ‘It’s All In My Head’ by self-taught Abuja-based documentary photographer. Her thoughts about the series: ‘It is an ongoing multimedia project that explores the coping mechanisms of survivors of terrorism and extreme instances of conflict and cruelty. Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country. It is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious state that constantly grapples with varying degrees of extremism, terrorism and violent conflict. Sadly, innocent Nigerian citizens (including children) are often the most impacted. A lot of the survivors of these atrocities struggle with depression, PTSD and vengeful thoughts, while others have found solace in their existence and religion. By using layered portraits, I explore their state of mind and how they struggle to move on.’ This image seeks to convey the longing of Deborah Danjuma for her husband, who was killed by marauding herdsmen from another community when he went to tap palm wine in the bush.