Documentary Defiance by Ben Yamiin
April 11th, 2009 3:34 PM / Location: 12.3569,-1.5352From Øuagadøugøu
The modern architecture of Ouagadougou is amazing and not like any other place I've been.
I chose to do an architectural survey of the city, but, as nearly all things in Africa, it was more difficult than one would imagine. First off, whenever one takes a photo in Ouagadougou of nearly anything, nearby people tell the photographer that to take said photo costs money and said money can be paid to (surprise surprise) this person in question!
Secondly, all over Africa, it's illegal to take photos of military bases, government buildings, some banks, bridges, and other locations of "strategic importance." The violation of these laws results in one's camera being confiscated as well as the possibility of arrest. At bare minimum, a bribe would be expected. Later, I was told at least 4 of the following photos violated these laws.
I was able to take all of these photos without paying a single CFA, nor was my camera confiscated, nor was I arrested. This was mainly due to the fact that I had rented a bicycle from my hotel, which, along with my confused looks and ability to pretend I didn't speak any French (when in reality, I speak only a tiny bit of French) allowed for quick getaways.
Anyways, enjoy this illegal architectural survey of Ouagadougou.
Cinéastes
Air Algerie
Air Algerie 2
ALG
Apartment
Bank
Bank back
CFA Bank
Church
Dome Building
Onatel 1
Onatel 2
Onatel 3
Post
Shell
Tresorerie 1
Tresorerie 2
18 vote(s)
Optical Dave
3
teucer
4
Rin Brooker
5
Teeth Beetles
2
susy derkins
5
The Found Walrus
5
Sombrero Guy
4
Lincøln
5
Adam
5
Jellybean of Thark
5
praximity
5
Ian Kizu-Blair
5
Goddess of Doom and Thievery
5
artmouse
5
done
3
Waldo Cheerio
5
Not Here No More
4
Charlie Fish
Terms
(none yet)9 comment(s)
this is a beautiful completion!
the photography. a glimpse of somewhere I might never see and frankly couldn't place on a map.
But also I love the subversion inherent in this task. Wherever unnecessary restrictions apply, SF0 will be there. It reminds me of like China's grass-mud horse problem
Oh, so as far as the Place des Cinéastes, every other year, Ouagadougou hosts Fespaco, the biggest and best film festival in Africa. The awards given out at Fespaco are the most important film awards for the continent. It's a major event in Ouaga, so much that, for example, the owner of the internet cafe I'm currently using is wearing a traditional Burkinabé outfit, but the pattern is decorated with Fespaco logos. This year was the 40th anniversary of the festival.
So anyways, they really like their filmmakers here.
This is a great completion.
I love the fact you get down into the real streets of this city and shot the photos. Architecture has always interested me and this is a nice example of it.
The city doesn't look too poverty-stricken like I imagined Burkina Faso to look when I studied it in geography. Was there alot of abject poverty around?
at least i'm pretty sure that's where this stuff is coming from.
oh, also, awesome task.
tasty.
glad you didn't get arrested this time! you know your luck with official buildings and high tech devices in foreign places!!
shhh...there may be...one or two people I haven't told that story to here....
Man, and the way they have the least possible window surface so as not to roast inside.
What's with that Place Des Cineastes sculpture? fountain? Concrete circular slabs in all its glory, it looks 70s, like the Olympics series here.
Is there a picture of your defiant-bicycle rider self, perhaps?