YOUTHHOOD

1. “YES, I’M LISTENING” (Rain Gabriella— Cape Town, South Africa — December 2019) 2. “INNER CHILD WALK ABOUT” (Bazique Festival, W Cape — March 2020) 3. “BRIGHT RESOLUTIONS” (Hugo, Juan, Maria & Simon — Havana, Cuba — January 2020)

At times I bury my head in my hands, have a cringe moment and give myself a stern talking to. After all, the UN sets the cutoff for youthhood at age 25. Perhaps my inner child feels as if there is some unfinished business but whatever the reason I’m all for some childlike silliness and fun.

4. “MORNING BUS BOARDING” (Viñales, Pinar del Río, Cuba — January 2020) 5. “NAPPIE NIGHTMARE EXHIBIT” (Viñales, Pinar del Río, Cuba — January 2020)

6. “HANDSFREE KID” (Maria, 3 — Cape Town, South Africa — January 2020)

By society’s definition, at 46, I fall into the middle age bracket; however, whilst still strong in body and mind, I am going to milk my time. If I feel 17, why not? Run with it, I say. This would be around the time that other people bury and shake their heads but not before asking “when are you going to grow up?”

7. “FRONTLINE CONFRONTATIONS” (Paulette, Maria & Justine — Cape Town, South Africa — February 2020)

Then the curveball …

At the same time, I give other people’s perceptions of me far too much weight and am embarrassed to admit, as much as I understand the psychology around it, still wounded by their judgement. Just as well youthhood also refers to being young in spirit. Even I at times need something to try to justify “not adulting” to myself. Yes, I have that age appropriate side of me too!

Shot in Cuba and South Africa, this selection of 10 images, represents my interpretation of the theme. The subjects or scenarios ranging from infancy to early 20’s not only mirror instances in my past but still heavily resonate even as that mature adult.

I would like to add that if you are now confused as to whether I am still wearing nappies (diapers) or boarding a school bus, my answer would be, no, but hey outside of “youthhood” if you haven’t been through parenting then I’m sure you’ve experienced issues with trying to keep your whites white? And although catching a school bus was rare in my time, I can’t be the only one who has moments on some winter mornings when it just feels way too early, dark or cold to get up and show up

8. “SAVING THE DAY WITH A SOFT SERVE” (sisters: Sandra, 9 years old; Samira, 6 years old, Justin and Rosmel — Viñales, Pinar del Río, Cuba — January 2020) 9.“TAKEOUT TEXTING” (Jesus, Josè & Ricardo — Havana, Cuba — January 2020)

A soft serve sometimes saves my day; I go on walk about in fancy dress; I act the clown when I should be listening; I stand up for friends when they have no voice; I get sidetracked with technology in the company of others and I love midnight kiosk snacking.

That is usually when I am out dancing…yes…sometimes even on pavements.

10. “FOOD FOR THE SOUL” (Sisters: Maria, 3 and Dayana, 5 — Cape Town, South Africa — February 2020)