MY JOURNEY TO THE GAMBIA – A STORY IN FILM AND PHOTOGRAPHS

Madonna famously sung: “Living in a material world, and I am a material girl…” For the majority, that stands true. However, artists Doerthe Jansen and Abibu Njie intend to brave the tide and prove that materialistic items may rent happiness, but can’t buy eternal love and peace.

This collaboration from contrasting worlds – Jansen is German/Australian, her partner Njie is African— has borne fruit to an exhibition that reflects a significant part of their extraordinary journey which began in 2007 as a consequence to Doerthe exploring Gambia. Showcased through images and a movie, their story, as Jansen says, is meant to “encourage people to follow their heart, dive into the unknown and experience more of the amazing world we are all a part of.”

The exhibition is also a means to reconfigure the ‘negative’ image of African countries. Jansen elaborates, “Here in Australia, when we see images of Africa, they are mostly of poor people in need.”

This exhibition anticipates to change that, with its focus on images that reflect Gambian/West African culture’s “pride, dignity, welcoming warmth of its people, artistic brilliance, strong family values and ties, and an intense love for life,” she adds. The message it presents is refreshingly clear: defy norms, venture beyond the obvious, and break-free! (JR)

Until May 12, Bondi Pavilion Gallery, Bondi Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach, free, waverley.nsw.gov.au

BY JOSEPH RANA