Unyọñ Ufọk: An Exploration of Grief and Belonging

Unyọñ Ufọk means “going home” in Ibibio. This intimate photobook is created by British-Nigerian photographer Emily Nkanga. Through analogue photography, Nkanga reflects on themes of grief, identity, and belonging. She uses her camera to freeze moments that could otherwise fade into memory.

Sunrise in Ewet Housing, Uyo. January 2021

A Personal Journey Through Loss

The project began with Nkanga’s father's passing. This loss drew her back to her hometown in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria. Initially, she sought a way to cope with her grief. However, her lens gradually shifted to a broader exploration of her father's legacy. His imprint on the local community became a central focus. This organic evolution is evident throughout the photographs. The journey starts with mourning but transforms into memory-making. Ultimately, it becomes a tribute to her father.

My grandfather, Elder Okon Udo Nkanga, in his room. February 2022

The Beauty of Analogue Photography

Analogue photography adds a layer of nostalgia to Nkanga's work. The texture and light evoke a shared sense of reflection. This invites viewers not just to witness Nkanga’s journey but to examine their own associations with home and familial love. Each image creatively sequences from ceremonial scenes of cultural burial rites to the quiet rituals of rural life. This contrast offers a window into Akwa Ibom’s slower, more contemplative rhythms, far removed from the chaos of city living.

Uwem Sunday Hanson. February 2021

Documenting Community and Culture

Nkanga feels a duty to document Akwa Ibom from the inside. She states, “I feel like I almost had a duty to [document] Akwa Ibom, from the inside, at least.” It is precisely this insider’s viewpoint that makes Unyọñ Ufọk so impactful. Her photographs do not exoticize the culture; instead, they honor, remember, and witness the community's essence.

Boxers training. February 2021

The Power of Memory

In one poignant passage, Nkanga reflects on her inability to photograph her father before his passing. She remarks, “Your dad dies only once.” Despite this sorrow, Nkanga’s work keeps his presence alive. His spirit lingers, embodied in the land and the people. Each frame weaves together the quiet love that permeates her photographs. What began as a farewell transforms into a celebration of her father's life, her roots, and the resilience of the community.

The Impact of Unyọñ Ufọk

Unyọñ Ufọk is available to purchase. This powerful example of photography highlights the medium’s ability to hold space for memory, mourning, and meaning. It's an invitation to reflect on personal experiences of grief and belonging. Each image resonates with viewers, evoking a deep connection to family and community.

Conclusion

Photography has the unique power to encapsulate moments and emotions. In a world that often forgets, Unyọñ Ufọk serves as a reminder of the importance of memory. Nkanga's delicate yet powerful imagery urges us to explore our own connections to home. It is a work that speaks not only to grief but to love, resilience, and community as well. Through her lens, Nkanga immortalizes the essence of what it means to go home.