Statement and Project
Symbols are an important part of my work. In the different themes and bodies of work I have used symbols which in my opinion might have either local or universal meanings. This is to illustrate the specific issues I am addressing e.g. the universal symbol for radio hazards in the conflict series. These symbols are meant to act as trigger mechanisms which allow the viewer into the subject on my work. Almost like a password. These symbols on the other hand may allow an observer, who is not affected, concerned or conversant with these issues, the space to maneuver or bypass the issues.
In current work I am creating imagery depicting “queues”. These are derived from diverse issues and experiences for example, the voting process, the migration process and in service provision like in banking and health. Queues are signs of events in time. They are almost like frozen testaments or monuments to the consequences of events; they may also be a representation of events taking place and may act as clues to and signs of events that may possibly happen.
In this way I imagine the queue takes on the form of a symbol; complex because of the human participants but simple in the sense this possible with reasonable accuracy describe the period and cause. In this way I am also trying to look at channeling, manipulation and the world of man as might be symbolized by people in a queue. This is in the areas of politics, migration, economics and social life in both contemporary and historical contexts.
In Kenya queuing is a part of the part of the normal way of life. One encounters queues in the transport and banking sectors and when accessing governmental administrative and health services. In the times I have queued I have come to realize that there is a social code and energy to Queues that varies with the context;
People meet and part, conservations are born and die, issues are dissected, emotions expressed all this within in time one stays in the queue. I find this very fascinating and I am exploring the energy and symbolism contained within this system.
Queues are very much a manifestation of limitations and how Man deals with that.
This concept is still at its infancy and these are still thoughts, emotions and drawings in process.
Peterson Kamwathi- 2010
