Photographer Chudy Ogobegwu curates a showcase of African photos documenting depression, anxiety, and the search for peace during the time of COVID.

14 May 2020 – Lagos, Nigeria – The mass self-isolation marking the COVID-19 pandemic has inspired fear, anxiety, stress, and loneliness in the hearts and minds of people around the world. And in Africa, where mental health issues go unacknowledged and untreated, these disorders may be worsening. iManage Africa presents The Peace, a virtual exhibition of 60+ pieces by artists and writers from across Africa, documenting depression, anxiety, and the search for peace during the time of COVID.

Curated by Nigerian fine art photographer Chudy Ogobegwu, the exhibition features black-and-white images and poetic pieces documenting the wide spectrum of emotions being experienced while dealing with increased anxiety.

Creatives tend to be all-too-familiar with depression and anxiety; from Vincent Van Gogh to J.K Rowling, creatives seem to have a dark relationship with depression and as such, have a unique perspective to add; Ogobegwu hopes to harness this perspective through The Peace exhibit.

According to iManage Africa CEO, Godwin Tom, “Chudy isn’t only collecting images and curating an exhibition, he is pushing for change,” he said. “He is igniting a conversation around mental health which is the first step in addressing it – awareness. It seems Chudy’s work explores causes that are underreported in Africa and sheds light on them; clearly, this is only the beginning.”

The Peace Exhibit went live onthe website, thepeaceexhibit.com last week May 16 and will run through the 18th of July. Partners include Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI), AVON Healthcare, and Strong Minds, all organizations that provide professional help to Africans struggling with depression and other mental health challenges. Media support by YNaija and Joy Inc.

The exhibition is still receiving submissions from photographers and writers, which can be sent to [email protected] or [email protected].

More information can be found on the website thepeaceexhibit.com/about and thepeaceexhibit.com/submissions.