The Wait

Nigerians have a long history of migrating to the US, a trend that predates the visa lottery programs of the 90s and continues through the current migration patterns of recent times. As a Nigerian, often confronted with hurdles to travel, this work highlights the moments of hope and hopelessness experienced while waiting for visa appointments to travel to the United States. Due to certain reasons including the long spillovers from the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic visa date suspensions of US visa services worldwide,  Visa applicants are consequently faced with appointment date delays which could extend for over a year. To stay informed, prepared and also to avoid being barred temporarily from the appointment portal on several individual attempts, visa applicants form supportive virtual communities on social media platforms to maximize access to more favourable dates.

The installation, The Wait, is partly inspired by Adrian Paci’s Temporary Reception and strongly portrays the collective experience of these Nigerian Visa hopefuls during their moments of anticipation to travel. The plaid bags with passport numbers branded on them serve as visual metaphors for migrants, with some torn due to handling, they are stacked in a cart in a manner that evokes visual tension and a sense of urgency. The spilling contents of the bags evidently underscore the longing, identity, financial burden and unique travel histories of their owners as the sound aspect of the work echos the juxtaposition of  various means of transportation.  A compelling aspect of this installation is the placement of the cart, parked at the edge of the wall, prompting contemplation about whether its positioning suggests imminent movement and the duration of the anticipated wait.