Nigerian photographer Apah Benson has gained recognition for his striking visual work that captures the essence of his homeland's rich cultural heritage through a distinctive artistic lens. His dreamlike photographs span multiple genres including documentary, fashion, and fine art, addressing themes ranging from climate change and socio-economic issues to heritage and spirituality.
Benson's journey into photography began in late 2018, shortly after graduating from university during what he describes as a transitional period where he found himself "living inside multiple realities." Already established as a choreographer, actor, and poet, Benson felt compelled to expand his artistic expression. "I felt a burning need to capture life compositionally and aesthetically, beyond just text," he explains. "Photography naturally followed, offering a way to transform personal and collective experiences into lasting visual forms."
The images Benson has created since then are characterized as stark, arresting, and dreamlike in their composition. His portfolio includes diverse subjects such as a male nude photographed against pure white sand and a woman's profile draped in white fur against an ethereal ocean backdrop. These photographs convey a sense that multiple stories and realities exist beneath the surface of the people and places he chooses to portray.
Benson's recent work has focused particularly on exploring his own cultural roots and identity. "Recently I've been investigating the roots of my identity, and the stories of the cultures and traditions I grew up with, and how they have been influenced by colonial impacts," he explains. His exploration includes examining "the post-colonial transfiguration that has remained in our DNA, culture, fashion, and more."
As a native of Delta State, Nigeria, Benson emphasizes how deeply his country's geography and culture are embedded in his artistic vision. He references a local concept that resonates with his work: "There's a term we use here a lot, 'son of the soil,' meaning born of a place and rooted there. This is to say that we are all shaped by our experiences and roots – even as we strive to transcend any of their limitations, we are also called to let the best parts of that heritage shine."
The photographer credits Nigeria's unique characteristics as fundamental influences on his perspective and art. "Nigeria, with its resilient people, vibrant colors, rich stories, and profound culture, profoundly influences my perspective and my art," Benson states. On a more personal level, he draws inspiration from distinctly Nigerian cultural elements including the country's music, cuisine, and the Nollywood VHS tapes he watched growing up with his father and sisters.
Benson's creative process is deeply rooted in his Nigerian identity, extending from his sleek fashion photography to intimate, divine images that he describes as being lifted from his dreams. "Everything about being Nigerian shapes my creative lens," he affirms. This cultural foundation permeates all aspects of his artistic output, creating a cohesive body of work that serves as both personal expression and cultural documentation.
Looking toward the future, Benson has expressed ambitious goals for his photography career. He aims to "turn this lens back on the past, to document (and help shape) history itself." This forward-looking perspective suggests his intention to use photography not only as an artistic medium but also as a tool for historical preservation and cultural advocacy, continuing to shine light on Nigerian culture for both local and international audiences.
