Chuma: Ndi Egwu

In this thought-provoking piece, the artist focuses on depicting a musical orchestra, presenting seven figures with only six visible heads. Through this composition, the artist critically examines the impact of mobile phone usage during live performances and events. The work challenges viewers, who may recognize their own behaviour in the scene, to consider how individuals today often prioritize capturing moments for future reference over fully experiencing the present. On the right-hand side, a man wearing his age-grade society uniform is portrayed holding a phone, his head conspicuously absent from the frame. This element alludes to the generational shifts occurring regardless of social status or tradition. By juxtaposing traditional musical performances with modern technology, the artist explores themes of presence versus documentation, the evolution of social interaction, and the tension between preserving and experiencing events. This piece invites viewers to reconsider their habits and the value of unmediated experience in an increasingly digital world.