Mimi Ezinne is the 20324 recipient of the PostGraduate bursary Journey Mercies -- An Intimate Visual Exploration of African Immigration
About the recipient
Mimi Ezinne (b. 1997) was introduced to photography through her mother's assortment of Kodak disposable cameras, which they used to document family memories and holidays. From that early experience, she fell in love with the process of capturing images and the anticipation of waiting to see what the photos would look like.
Primarily working with film, Mimi likes to accentuate certain colors, textures, and patterns that convey a sense of familiarity, such as bright primary colors indicative of African cities, or layered clothing textures styled to create details. Constantly combing through family albums and memorabilia, she references the past in her work, exploring themes of nostalgia, romance, and intimacy while connecting with her younger self's imagination and exuding a dreamlike allure that engages with Africa.
Her roots as a Nigerian and Ghanaian, born and raised in Chicago, play a significant role in shaping her vision. Mimi’s images are meant to evoke a sense of closeness and connection while exploring the boundaries of art and using photography as a means to explore her heritage and personal identity.
Dispelling the myth that the grass is always greener on the other side.
Project Proposal
Some of the themes I will be exploring include: Privilege and Birthplace: Unearthing the reality of privilege and the profound influence of birthplace, questioning societal borders, and dispelling the myth that the grass is always greener on the other side.
Isolation and Regret: Examining the isolation and regret experienced by those who leave their homeland, touching on the sacrifices made and the impact on family units, especially within the Black community. Generational Trauma: Investigating the generational trauma resulting from missed birthdays, milestones, and the perpetual cycle of separation for a glimpse of a better life.
Global Consequences: Addressing the ongoing consequences of colonization, imperialism, and exploitation in African countries, juxtaposed with the relentless pursuit of a better life in the West.