African Skatepark
Just wanted to direct your attention to what I think is one of the most fascinating photo sets I’ve seen in some time. Over on Conscientious Extended, photographer Yann Gross documents what is likely the only skate park in Eastern Africa:
“When I first saw the skate park, I couldn’t believe it… the first and only East African half pipe was located in the middle of nowhere: a field with some goats running around.”
The pictures are terrific and they have a sort of dissonant quality to them; they jar the looker with their juxtaposition of two seemingly different cultures: that of suburban Uganda and North American skate culture, skateboards and pads in front of lush greenery and on rutted roads. Not only this, but it breaks out of the rut of typical photographic portrayal of Africa, refusing to portray Africans as victims. Go check them out!
Amazing photos! It’s hard to believe a skate park in East Africa – but it’s very cool to see. It’s Mind boggling!