Fresh Air, a photobook by David Aaron Arigbe

FRESH AIR is a photobook by Lagos photographer David Arigbe Aaron. For the book, the photographer traveled across Nigeria in a quest to capture the essence and diversity of Nigerian youth. The photobook is available in both digital and physical copy (Amazon Link).

In this review, I will assess the book based on its ability to deliver a compelling narrative rather than solely focusing on the quality of the photos.

I had Fresh Air in my possession for over two weeks as of the time of this review and every time I pick it up, it offers a different experience from the last. I had friends come over and when they go through the book, initially their face is that of a bit of confusion until it settles and they are engulfed, with most going through the book multiple times. You start off tentative but soon the daring images whisk you into the ever so distinct and vibrant worlds of the subjects: Nigerian Youth.

David’s desire to capture the spirit of Nigeria’s youth is evident throughout the entire book. The majority of its pages are decorated with eye-catching photos of young Nigerians from various origins. What sets these photographs apart is the creative touch applied to some of them, with most being captured on film or edited to have a filmic effect. This deliberate decision effortlessly evokes a sense of nostalgia, as if each image were a window to the past, yet firmly rooted in the present.

Yet, the book’s journey is not without its detours.

Some images sit right at the edge of abstraction with most requiring you to look at it several times. This was not entirely a negative because it forces you to really indulge the book but some photographs in addition to being ‘abstract’ appear overly dark, making it difficult to decipher the scene. It’s unclear whether this was a creative decision meant to evoke mystery or an issue related to the printing process.

Inevitably these few images create moments of discord in the narrative flow.

Overall, Fresh Air is a strong display of David’s skill as a photographer. Through its expressive portraits, the book immerses you in the culture of Nigerian Youth. While there may be occasional missteps in delivering the narrative, these shortcomings do little to diminish the overall impact of the book. “Fresh Air” will be a great addition to any photography enthusiasts collection.