VOICES at photo la - Jan. 18-21

Voices is an exhibition of photography and video depicting issues facing the youth of Kisumu, Kenya through their eyes. In a country notorious for corruption, in an area where HIV/AIDS, prostitution, rape, alcohol and substance abuse, discrimination, crime, poverty, and unemployment are among the first and most commonly mentioned issues by young people in community centers and schools, young people are forced to make life and death decisions on a daily basis. Using donated video and still camera equipment, these young people were given the opportunity to use creative expression through media to voice their thoughts, feelings, ideas, and experiences.

Voices will exhibit at photo la
Santa Monica Civic Auditorium
1855 Main street
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Preview reception benefit
Preview tickets - $100
All proceeds go to the
Elton John AIDS Foundation
Thursday, January 18th, 2007 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Public Hours
One-day pass - $20
Three-day pass - $30
Friday, January 19, 2007 noon to 7 p.m.
Saturday, January 20, 2007 noon to 7 p.m.
Sunday, January 21, 2007 noon to 6 p.m.

http://www.artfairsinc.com/photola/2007/

December at Abila Creative Center

Even in the rain the kids of Mamboleo are enthusiastic.


By the end of 2006 Abila had a fully-functioning cyber cafe.


Youth were still dropping by frequently to use the cyber cafe and continue work on their projects.


Zack got to see pictures of his photos on display in New York City.


Abila staff like Allan Juma are still hard at work.


Abila staff member Steve's welcoming face at the informative entrance to Abila.

VOICES at photo ny 2006

Here are some photographs taken at photo ny and the comments that people left for the youth about their work.



"This is a wonderful project ­ Thank you for bringing it here."
"Wonderful project, agree."


Alexis' photos on one of the center walls

"I just loved your work."
"Great work, the prints look great & I hope you get lots of donations to have even more next time."
"Beautiful"


Alexis' and Sara's pictures on one of the center walls

"Really interesting."
"The project & show were very impressive. Mainly to see that life wants to be seen & survive no matter how hard it may be."


Left: Photo and words by Fred Okumuh with additional words by Collince Ochieng
Right: Photo and words by Zack Williams Okoth

"Your work is amazing, beautiful, mesmerizing; from the joy through the pain. The hearts from all around the globe always hear the song of love and acceptance, but sometimes we need to learn how to hear and see! With my love and gratitude!"


Alexis' photos on one of the center walls

"Congratulations on your artwork. Your photographs touched us and hopefully more can be done to increase our awareness. I hope to see more of your work in the future. Great pics!"
"I'm so happy to see this project­ what you are doing has great value­ don't give up."


Photo and words by Zack Williams Okoth

"Thank you for taking the time to take these photos and comments so we can be exposed to people's lives in your city. The photos are beautiful and comments are incredibly insightful. Congratulations!"


Photo by Emmanuel Sopiyo with words by Raphael Ogello

"Your photos and words brought up so many emotions for me. Your work is VERY powerful and moving. Thank you for your openness and honesty. Never stop doing this work and thinking about these issues. YOUR voice is what will change the world! Thank you for INSPIRING ME to DO and be better."


Left: Photo and words by Zack Williams Okoth
Right: Photo and words by Ken Shadrack Obuya

"This is one of the best booths in here."
"Thank you for sharing your lives and understandings with us. You are beautiful."


Left: Photo by Matabel with words by Ibrahim Mukwaya
Right: Photo by Bernard Nyadida with words by Collince Ochieng

"I absolutely loved the exhibit! You both did such an impressive job! The photos are beautiful!"
"Excellent exhibit! Keep up the good work!"


Left: Photo and words by Fred Okongo
Right: Photo and words by Victor Ombonya

"This is an amazing body of images. Please keep photographing! The world should know."
"Very excited about your project. Looking forward to hearing your stories and learning from you."


Left: Photo by Janet Adhiambo with words by Emmanuel Omondi and Paul Bogi
Right: Photo and words by William Ochieng

"It takes powerful photos like this to inspire change. This exhibit is excellent. Keep up the good work."
"Very beautiful and powerful photos. Excellent way to share the lives and stories of extraordinary children."


Photo and words by Jamal Juma

"This is great photography, and the fact that there is so much meaning presented within these images is very moving."
"Beautiful work­ amazing images and words."



"Beautiful photos.­ Courage!"



"Excellent project. When you get your website done, we will post info about you at the New Eyes Project, K12photoed.org. Keep up the great work."

Exhibition at Abila Creative Center in Kisumu

On August 12, 2006 the entire town of Kisumu was invited to Abila Creative Center to view the video and photography projects made by the youth of Kisumu depicting the issues they face as seen through their own eyes. It was a wonderful opportunity to bring the community together to converse and celebrate.


Community members view the youths' photographs and words


The dance troupe from St. Anne's Academy performs


We had quite a turnout




The youths' videos get an audience


Mary Ojiayo photographs as community members look on




The kids in the room with their artwork

Trainings at Secondary Schools and Community Centers

For two weeks we went to community centers and secondary schools to ask the youth to tell us what they saw as the biggest issues facing themselves and their communities. They were given basic instruction in photography and video. These young people were then invited to take photographs and make videos that depicted the issues they face as seen through their own eyes.


Alexis teaches the basics of photography to a group of students at Okok Mixed Secondary School


A young woman presents her photograph to the rest of the group at the Tuungane Youth Center Obunga Satellite


A group from the Tuungane Youth Center Nyalenda Satellite films their video project on HIV/AIDS on location in someone's home


A group from the Tuungane Youth Center Manyata Satellite films a documentary video project on sanitation


A group from Kisumu Boys' High School films a video project on corruption


A group from Kisumu Boys' High School films a video project on social injustice


A young man explains his group's photograph to students at Kisumu Boys' High School


Sara explains the basics of interviewing to a group at Kisumu Girls High School as a student captures their reactions on video


A group from Okok Mixed Secondary School films a video project on HIV/AIDS


The crew waits while the director contemplates the next shot at Okok Mixed Secondary School


Youth film a discussion at Tuungane Youth Center Nyalenda Satellite