Through Thy Lens

The intersection of selves is a theme that we at Through Thy Lens are always eager to explore. By intersection of selves we often refer to ‘creative self’ + ‘African self’ or ‘foreign self”.  By exploring this, we hope to improve our understanding of the common threads, and patterns among youth who identify as creatives while evolving in dual/different settings.  It is in this light that Nana Dufie shares her story and work with us today. A brilliant product of this intersection ; her writing and photography have become a means for her to “navigate between her identity and cultural assimilation”.  

• Who is Nana Dufie ? How would you describe yourself in a few words? ( add country of origin, studies and goals in life)

I am originally Ghanaian and I have lived in Ghana and Finland for almost equal amounts of my life. I am currently in the second year of my gap “year”, but I plan on starting my studies in Politics and International Relations and Economics at University College Dublin in September. My goal in life is to positively influence education and the living standards of young and vulnerable females in Ghana.

• On a scale from 0-10 how would you rate your interest in photography ?

I would rate my interest in photography at an 8 because I am just beginning and constantly learning, but it hasn’t totally engulfed me yet.

• How would you describe the impact of photography in your life ?

Photography has had the most recent impact on my life. I have met a lot of interesting people through photography and have also found a voice through it.

• What inspires you ? 

Sounds so cheesy to say, but people inspire me. There is something really satisfying about reaching out to people, being able to help people and having people share their stories with you.

• Have the different places where you’ve lived had an effect on your creativity ? ( If Yes could you describe this effect? )

Ghana is aesthetically chaotic. It is vibrant, loud, and very colourful. Finland on the other hand is extremely understated and simple. Finnish aesthetic can be summed up as concrete/grey, metal, wood and black. I have noticed that I use elements from both cultures wherein my work tends to be vibrant but simple.

• You created a platform called ‘Kumasi to Helsinki’ to share your experiences. Do you mind telling us more about this platform and the motivations behind creating it ?

Kumasi to Helsinki has basically become my outlet. I started it because I wanted a place to express myself and I realised that there was a limited space on the internet for Western milllenials with a connection to Africa or just people with a multicultural background to express themselves. I was also motivated by the lack of spaces to speak about one’s identity pertaining to culture, nationality and upbringing.

• According to you what role does photography play in the African narrative ? Does it have the potential to change the negatives ?

I absolutely believe that photography can change the negative perspective of Africa as well as help in solving issues in Africa. Photography draws attention to issues and places that people otherwise wouldn’t care/know about. For instance I have fallen in love with Dakar through pictures and I am visiting it because of that. I think the most important aspect of photography’s role in the African narrative is that we are in control of it, we decide how we want things to be seen.

• What’s next for you ? Any projects or ideas you would like to share ?

My next project is getting my label off the ground. I’m working on starting a hand made leather label through which I can hopefully provide education and employment to young, and vulnerable women in Ghana.

• What advice would you give my readers ?

If you want to do something, keep it nike and just do it. Start with what you can and the rest will follow.

You can follow up with Nana’s work on her instagram, and website : Kumasi to Helsinki where she is currently hosting youth of African descent who live outside of Africa and are willing to “share their stories on how they identify themselves in regards to their roots, nationality and ethnicity ; how they came to that specific choice and how the outside world dealt with them during that process.” – The Identity Project