Photographs panels #1
January 6 2009, 9:17am
Rob Enslin
A series of panels showing photographs of people living in refugee camps in the Congo. Whatever the weather, every panel was always brightly lit and, as you strolled past, you could hear singing and talking. I got to know the faces, like you might know your neighbours, and even some of their names. I could even hum the songs. It made me smile a little and laugh a lot.
The installation went up just as the problems in the Congo got worse last autumn. I often wondered how many of the people in the panels had been effected by what was happening, or worse. They were my morning companions after all. But, most of all, it reminded me of the amazing fortune with which I live my life, walking in safety along the Thames from a safe home to an exciting job.
Then one morning, the panels had been switched off. The next day, there was a van parked with the panels being uploaded. Then it was gone.
Where taken: London, Southbank When taken: 5 January 2009 Who: John Welsh
