The World Of Chukwunwikezarramu Okumephuna

'Electronic Billboard'

2009-07-04T14:57:00.001+01:00

Title: Electronic Billboard.

Location: Piccadilly Circus, London.

Tag: okumephuna, piccasdillycircus, billboard.

Story: Outdoor advertising is taking a new dimension. The era of still pictures on billboards is gradually coming to an end. In fact it is already buried and replaced with a new method that is not only 21st century in outlook but in sync with computer age we are already in. The above electronic billboard in Piccadilly Circus, London attests to that. More like a big outdoor television, only that this time it broadcasts only advertisement regardless of the outdoor weather.

'Football Ritual'

2009-07-03T15:07:00.001+01:00

Title: Football Ritual.

Location: Peckham Rye, London.

Tag: okumephuna, peckhamrye, ritual.

Story: The game of football which is a common language understood by all come with all sorts of frenzy and madness including its preparations. Here local team 'ritually' airs their jerseys in preparation for the game. They thought that the ritual could help them win the game.

'Stop The Killings'

2009-06-24T22:25:00.002+01:00

Title: Stop The Killings

Location: Westminster, London.

Tag: okumephuna, westminster, nohome.

Story: A sign in front of the United Kingdom House of Parliament calling on the members of parliament and those who care to listen to do more to stop the killing of the Tamils in Sri Lanka.

'No Home Till The War Is Over'

2009-06-24T22:13:00.001+01:00

Title: No Home Till The War Is Over

Location: Westminster, London.

Tag: okumephuna, westminster, nohome.

Story: This group of Tamil women from the war torn Sri Lanka converted the lawn in front of the House of Parliament as their home refusing to go until the United Kingdom join the rest of the world in making a bold move towards resolving the Sri Lankan civil war.

'Animals and Balls'

2009-06-23T12:28:00.002+01:00

Title: Animals and Balls

Location: Peckham Rye, London.

Tag: okumephuna, peckhamrye, animalsballs.

Story: Football is no more a monopoly of humans. It fascinates me to see how animals enjoy playing this game that humans enjoy too. One of such animals is the dog and they have perfected this game to the extent that their accuracy in capturing a bouncing ball is quite amazing.

'Motion'

2009-06-17T23:44:00.001+01:00

Title: Motion

Location: Inverkeithing-Scotland, Peckham-London.

Tag: okumephuna, Inverkeithing/Peckham, stopwar.

Story: It could be fun taking pictures of animals, humans or objects in motion. That desire to capture all these in motion is the reason behind my taking these two pictures. The picture of the bird flying away was taken in Peckham Rye in South London while that of the moving vehicle with a head of a lady in reflection was taken just before Inverkeithing in Scotland.

'Stop The War'

2009-06-17T13:47:00.004+01:00

Title: Stop The War

Location: Westminster, London.

Tag: okumephuna, westminster, stopwar.

Story: A lone protester opposite the Palace of the Westminster over the continued occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan.

'Taking The Photographer'

2009-06-16T00:36:00.003+01:00

Title: Taking The Photographer

Location: Lewisham, London.

Tag: okumephuna, lewisham, photographer.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: I took this picture with my camera phone and the reason I took the picture is to pass a message of taking the picture of a photographer. She was busy taking a picture of something that am not aware of and I used that opportunity to take her back. It is more of ‘who watches the watchman’.

'Am The Original Devil!'

2009-06-16T00:19:00.003+01:00

Title: Am The Original Devil!

Location: Champion Hill, London.

Tag: okumephuna, championhill, devil.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: Despite the fact that this young man has two horns on his head like the devil, he is still happy and agreed to pose for me. One of the beauties of democracy is that people are allowed to enjoy their freedom and carry it to any level; so far they do not interfere with the rights and freedom of others. I am thinking of what would people’s reaction in a very undemocratic and conservative community.

'Gosh...We Are Tired!'

2009-06-09T15:45:00.005+01:00

Title: Gosh...We Are Tired!

Location: Kensington, London.

Tag: okumephuna, kensington, tired.

Story: The meaning of this picture is very obvious. After the whole marathon, both are tired and need some rest.

'Am Ready Shall We'

2009-06-09T15:41:00.003+01:00

Title: Am Ready Shall We.

Location: Kensington, London.

Tag: okumephuna, kensington, shallwe.

Story: After the whole chatting, frolicking and whatever, the mood here has finally changed to that of am-ready-shall-we. However I have no idea of what they are ready for now!

'So You Can Kiss Too'

2009-06-09T15:35:00.003+01:00

Title: So You Can Kiss Too.

Location: Kensington, London.

Tag: okumephuna, kensington, kiss.

Story: The mood in this picture is obviously that of surprise that those you think are not up to no bad are actually up to it. Here the black dog was really flabbergasted that the white one could kiss so passionately and so well.

'That Smells Good'

2009-06-09T15:31:00.004+01:00

Title: That Smells Good.

Location: Kensington, London.

Tag: okumephuna, kensington, smell.

Story: It is interesting to know that dogs like that which men like most too. In this picture I shot in the Kensington Park around Oval Station in South London, there is no doubt these two dogs are up to being naughty and dirty in the public.

'Watch Me Being Naughty'

2009-06-09T15:24:00.002+01:00

Title: Watch Me Being Naughty.

Location: Kensington, London.

Tag: okumephuna, kensington, naughty.

Story: This naughty dog gave me a nice posing when he was about doing his naughty business of urinating in the park. He must be a role model for other dogs.

'Mounted Branch'

2009-06-08T00:29:00.003+01:00

Title: Mounted Branch.

Location: Camberwell, London.

Tag: okumephuna, camberwell, mounted.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: I was greatly impressed that despite a new law in place in the UK against taking police officers and similar force men on duty, I was allowed by this two metropolitan police to take this picture. Police on horseback called the Mounted Branch in the UK policing system plays an active and integral part in policing the nation. A normal tour of duty for the horses consists of a patrol of 3 to 4 hours, although at times this may be extended depending upon the duty they are required to perform. Fitted around this is the care and maintenance of the horses and tack which they perform assisted by civilian grooms based at the stables. Though based at a particular stable they might perform duty anywhere that their specialism is required and for this purpose they may be transported by Horse Box to distant locations. Mounted Officers play an important part in the community with visits to Schools and various clubs but they are generally required to perform two main functions, high visibility patrols and public order.

'The Tamil Tigers'

2009-06-08T00:04:00.004+01:00

Title: The Tamil Tigers.

Location: Westminster, London.

Tag: okumephuna, westminster, tamil.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: After nearly 30 years of civil war for autonomy and independence by the Tamil ethnic group in Sri Lanka, the war was eventually brought to an abrupt end recently. In the weeks following the last days of the war, a lot of ethnic Tamils around the world staged demonstrations to call attention to the plight of their kinsmen back home. The above pictures captured some of the moments in London.

'Deptford Anchor'

2009-06-07T23:47:00.002+01:00

Title: Deptford Anchor.

Location: Deptford, United Kingdom.

Tag: okumephuna, deptford, anchor.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: As of the time of uploading this picture, the history behind it was not very clear to me. However it should be noted that Deptford achieved fame in 1800s as a shipbuilding dock as well as being one of the epicentres of slave trading in the UK. Olaudah Equiano, a famous Igbo slave and writer used to be a frequent visitor here. Therefore the anchor above must have something to do either with ship building or slavery.

'The Sun and the Water'

2009-06-07T03:54:00.005+01:00

Title: The Sun and the Water.

Location: Brighton, United Kingdom.

Tag: okumephuna, brighton, sunwater.

Story: What I love in this picture is the beauty of nature am trying to portray there. It is a big shame I took the pictures with a camera phone with a very low pixel and therefore could not get a high quality product, however the tranquillity of the sun resting literally on the water tickles my curiosity.

'The Palace of Westminster'

2009-06-07T03:26:00.004+01:00

Title: The Palace of Westminster.

Location: Westminster, London.

Tag: okumephuna, westminster, palace.

Story: The Palace of Westminster also known as the Houses of Parliament is the seat of the two houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom (the House of Lords and the House of Commons).. The palace contains around 1,100 rooms, 100 staircases and 3 miles (5 km) of corridors. Although the building mainly dates from the 19th century, remaining elements of the original historic buildings include Westminster Hall, used today for major public ceremonial events such as lying in state and the Jewel Tower. After a fire in 1834, the present Houses of Parliament were built over the next 30 years. They were the work of the architect Sir Charles Barry (1795–1860) and his assistant Augustus Welby Pugin (1812–52). The design incorporated Westminster Hall and the remains of St Stephen's Chapel.

'The Sky'

2009-06-07T03:10:00.004+01:00

Title: The Sky.

Location: Westminster, London.

Tag: okumephuna, westminster, sky.

Story: This is the famous Big Ben at the Palace of Westminster. It is the host of the British Parliament. However that is the not the main focus of this picture. My interest in this picture lies on the sky. Am attracted to the beauty and richness in the colour of the sky.

'Lambeth College Clapham'

2009-06-07T03:02:00.003+01:00

Title: Lambeth College Clapham.

Location: Clapham, London.

Tag: okumephuna, clapham, lambeth.

Story: This £20million building of the Lambeth College in Clapham South Side, officially opened on June 6 and has 40 teaching rooms with capacity for 1200 students. It also boasts a new sixth form centre, a 160-capacity performing arts venue, a student careers hub, IT zone, chill out zone and a new media and arts centre, including a rooftop garden overlooking the Clapham Common.

'The Goldsmiths University Arts Complex'

2009-06-07T02:40:00.003+01:00

Title: The Goldsmiths University Arts Complex.

Location: New Cross, London.

Tag: okumephuna, newcross, goldsmiths.

Story: Known as the Ben Pimlott Building and designed by Alsop and Partners, the designers behind the award-winning Peckham Library. The Goldsmiths University Art Complex opened its doors to students on January 10, 2005 and contains Visual Arts studios, Digital Studios and the Centre for Cognition, Culture and Computation, a unique new research unit. The roof terrace is wrapped in a nine-meter high steel ‘scribble’ that forms the eye-catching signature to the building and is highly visible on the south London skyline. The scribble was developed in 3D as part of an accurate CAD model from a series of repeated fabricated steel units. The sculpture is constructed from 229 separate pieces of steel, of which 131 were assembled on site.

'Bellenden Bollards'

2009-05-30T11:58:00.002+01:00

Title: Bellenden Bollards.

Location: Peckham Rye, London.

Tag: okumephuna, peckhamrye, bollards.

Story: Antony Gormley is one of several artists working in Peckham who are taking part in a scheme to regenerate the area with individually designed lamp-posts, pavements and other street furniture. These bollards, made to the height of more standard versions, are installed at Bellenden Road in Peckham Rye, just along East Dulwich Road and Opposite Tesco. Based on the forms of a simple oval, snowman, peg and penis, the bollards are cast in iron and are allowed to rust naturally. Inevitably the reception of the proposed Bollards in Peckham was controversial because of one of the bollards representing a penis. The bollards show a different aspect of Gormley's working method. Unlike the majority of his sculptures they are not casts of his own body, but pieces, which are designed to be both sculptural and functional. Another famous work of Antony Gormley is the ‘Angel of the North’.

'Squirrel'

2009-05-30T01:34:00.002+01:00

Title: Squirrel.

Location: Peckham Rye, London.

Tag: okumephuna, peckhamrye, squirrel.

Story: I consider this picture of a squirrel climbing down the tree my most amazing picture so far. I saw the bravery in his composure and wanted to capture that. To my greatest surprise he had the courage to pose till I finished my shooting. It was simply amazing. He later walked away calmly quite unlike squirrels.

'Flowers'

2009-05-30T01:11:00.003+01:00

Title: Flowers.

Location: Forest Hill, London.

Tag: okumephuna, foresthill, flowers.

Story: This flower decoration within the Horniman Museum in Forest Hill, South East London is simply amazing and really captured my imagination hence taking the picture.

'Balls'

2009-05-29T16:56:00.003+01:00

Title: Balls.

Location: Peckham, London.

Tag: okumephuna, peckham, balls.

Story: These three balls of varying sizes are located within the premises of the Peckham Library. I am still looking for the history behind them. All efforts made to get their history proved futile. I promise to add their history as soon as I get something and please do leave me comments if you know one or two things about them.

'Anteros'

2009-05-29T03:30:00.003+01:00

Title: Anteros.

Location: Piccadilly Circus, London.

Tag: okumephuna, piccadilly, anteros.

Story: This monument at the Piccadilly Circus in London of a winged nude statue of an archer, is sometimes referred to inaccurately as The Angel of Christian Charity and as Eros after the mythical Greek God of Love. The use of a nude figure on a public monument was controversial at the time of its construction, but it was generally well-received by the public. The statue was the first in the world to be cast in aluminium and is set on a bronze fountain. The statue is generally believed to depict Eros, but was intended to be an image of his twin brother, Anteros the Greek God of Selfless Love, as confirmed by the contemporary records of Westminster City Council. This monument is a memorial to the philanthropic 7th Earl of Shaftesbury, a famous Victorian politician and philanthropist.

'BMXing'

2009-05-28T19:27:00.002+01:00

Title: BMXing.

Location: Brixton, London.

Tag: okumephuna, brixton, bmx.

Story: Just like skateboarding, BMXing was also popularised in California in the United States and since them has been identified not only as an extreme sport but also very popular amongst gangs. In 2003, the International Olympic Committee made BMX a full medal Olympic sport for 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing. Māris Štrombergs (male, for Latvia) and Ann-Caroline Chausson (female, for France) were crowned the first Olympic champions.

'Skateboarding'

2009-05-28T18:46:00.003+01:00

Title: Skateboarding.

Location: Brixton, London.

Tag: okumephuna, brixton, skate.

Story: Skateboarding is done using a four wheeled piece of wood. The modern skateboarding originated in California in the late 1950s. A skateboard is propelled by pushing with one foot while the other remains on the board or by pumping in structures such as a pool or kickflip. A skateboard can also be used by simply standing on the deck while on a downward slope and allowing gravity to propel the board and rider. The game is proving popular with both young and older people here in London where many parks and places have got a specially designed skateboarding centres.

'Make Love Not War'

2009-05-28T18:25:00.003+01:00

Title: Make Love Not War.

Location: London, United Kingdom.

Tag: okumephuna, london, love.

Story: Love and the expressions of love means different thing to different people. To some it means sex while to others it could mean massaging the back of a woman with your waist, having a good time together in the park or a having a hot kiss in the train station as depicted in these pictures. However one thing I have always believed in is that making love is better compared to making wars.

'Street Market'

2009-05-28T17:33:00.005+01:00

Title: Street Market.

Location: Loughborough, London.

Tag: okumephuna, loughdon, streetmarket.

Story: A Street market is an outdoor market such as traditionally held in a market square in a market town, and are often held only on particular days of the week. However these days it is usual for it to be held daily. Two examples here are the Loughborough street market (first three pictures) and the East Street market (last two pictures) in Walworth, south London. East Street market is large and vibrant and is good for African and Caribbean fruit and vegetables as well as material and household goods. Sunday is the busiest day as the market consists of over 250 stalls. The market runs down East Street from the junction with Walworth Road to Dawes Street. East Street market is also known locally as 'The Lane'. There has been a market on this site since 1880. East Street is also the birthplace of Charlie Chaplin and features in the title sequence to the television programme ‘Only Fools and Horses’.

'In Search Of Fish'

2009-05-28T17:00:00.003+01:00

Title: In Search Of Fish.

Location: Burgess Park, London.

Tag: okumephuna, burgess, fish.

Story: All these people in these pictures including the young boy have got one thing in common. They are all occupied by their interest in fish. While the men are fishing, the young boy is obviously thrilled with the excitement of the fish swimming in the water.

'A Role Model'

2009-05-28T16:22:00.003+01:00

Title: A Role Model.

Location: Peckham Rye, London.

Tag: okumephuna, peckhamrye, role.

Story: There is no doubt that this guy is a role model for having the audacity and the effrontery to remove that thing in the middle of the park in the middle of the day to urinate. Meanwhile the toilet is just by the corner. A role model indeed!

'Parkinson Disease'

2009-05-28T16:16:00.002+01:00

Title: Parkinson Disease.

Location: Peckham Rye, London.

Tag: okumephuna, peckhamrye, parkinson.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: Parkison disease as used in this picture refers to those men who are so big down there that they must keep on parking it all the time irrespective of where they are or who is there with them.

'30 St. Mary Axe'

2009-05-22T03:39:00.002+01:00

Title: 30 St. Mary Axe.

Location: City of London, London.

Tag: okumephuna, city, 30.

Story: 30 St. Mary Axe, also known as the Gherkin and the Swiss Re Building, is a skyscraper in London's main financial district, the City of London, completed in December 2003 and opened on 28 April 2004. It is 180 metres (591 ft) tall, with 40 floors. Its construction symbolised the start of a new high-rise construction boom in London. The building was designed by Lord Foster, his then business partner Ken Shuttleworth, and Arup engineers, and was constructed by Skanska of Sweden in 2001–2004.

'Bendy Bus and Fare Evaders'

2009-05-22T03:10:00.003+01:00

Title: Bendy Bus and Fare Evaders.

Location: Peckham, London.

Tag: okumephuna, peckham, bus.

Story: One of the disadvantages of the long bendy London buses is that it is very easy to evade fare in them. It has also been very useful for carrying thugs from one part of London to another on revenge and brutal missions. However the London government is determined to ensure that only those with a valid travel ticket boards the bus. In the above picture some of the fare evaders were arrested by the British Transport Police.

'The Bank of England'

2009-05-22T03:00:00.003+01:00

Title: The Bank of England.

Location: Threadneedle Street, London.

Tag: okumephuna, threadneedle, bank.

Story: The Bank of England is the central bank of the United Kingdom. The Bank has a monopoly on the issue of banknotes in England and Wales, although not in Scotland or Northern Ireland. Sometimes known as ‘The old lady of Threadneedle Street”, the bank was established on the site in 1734. From 1788, the building was extended based on designs by Sir John Soane, culminating in the encirclement of the site with a windowless wall in 1828. This wall forms the perimeter of the building today.

'The Royal Exchange'

2009-05-22T02:24:00.004+01:00

Title: The Royal Exchange.

Location: Threadneedle Street, London.

Tag: okumephuna, threadneedle, royalx.

Story: The Royal Exchange was originally founded by Sir Thomas Gresham in 1566 to supplant the Bourse at Antwerp as the chief European market-place and has twice been destroyed by fire but on both occasions was rebuilt on the same site. Sir William Tite designed the current Royal Exchange which was opened by Queen Victoria in 1844. The steps leading up to the Corinthian columns have been used for the Proclamation of a new Sovereign. Elizabeth I named it the Royal Exchange in 1571.

'The Boozing Culture'

2009-05-22T01:47:00.003+01:00

Title: The Boozing Culture.

Location: Tower Bridge, London.

Tag: okumephuna, towerbridge, boozing.

Story: This picture of professionals in the city of London was of great shock to me. I am never against the boozing culture as it is democratic issue. People should be allowed to enjoy their freedom. However the rationale behind drinking on a Thursday morning is what am yet to understand. This is exactly the way they put us into the credit crunch. After getting themselves drunk they will go back to the office and begin to give loans to 12 year old people. May God save us!

'The Southern Stand'

2009-05-21T00:41:00.001+01:00

Title: The Southern Stand.

Location: Hyde Park, London.

Tag: okumephuna, hydepark, stand.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: Popularly known as the New Zealand Memorial, the Southern Stand in London's Hyde Park Corner commemorates the enduring bonds between New Zealand and the United Kingdom and their shared sacrifice during times of war. Designed by architect John Hardwick-Smith and sculptor Paul Dibble the memorial consists of 16 cross-shaped vertical bronze 'standards' set out in formation on a grassy slope. Each standard is adorned with text, patterns and small sculptures. "Through the words and images, any New Zealander visiting the memorial will recognise home, and British people may learn something of the relationship between our two countries," explains Paul Dibble. The memorial, was dedicated on 11 November 2006 and is expected to become a particular focus for Anzac Day celebrations in London each year.

'Welbeck Street Car Park'

2009-05-21T00:06:00.002+01:00

Title: Welbeck Street Car Park.

Location: Welbeck Street, London.

Tag: okumephuna, welbeck, park.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: What attracted me to this Welbeck Street NCP Car Park Building is the design of the building that perfectly camouflages it from being recognised as a car park.

'The M16 Building'

2009-05-20T23:55:00.002+01:00

Title: The M16 Building.

Location: Vauxhall, London.

Tag: okumephuna, vauxhall, m16.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: The SIS Building also commonly known as the MI6 Building is the headquarters of the British Secret Intelligence Service otherwise known as the "MI6". It is located at 85 Albert Embankment in the south western part of central London, on the bank of the River Thames beside Vauxhall Bridge. The building has appeared in The Tailor of Panama as well as the James Bond films GoldenEye, The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day. In the opening sequence of The World Is Not Enough, Bond chases a suspect from the building down the Thames.

'The Vauxhall Bridge'

2009-05-20T23:37:00.002+01:00

Title: The Vauxhall Bridge.

Location: Vauxhall, London.

Tag: okumephuna, vauxhall, bridge.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: Vauxhall Bridge is a Grade II* listed steel and granite deck arch bridge in London. It crosses the River Thames in a north-west south-east direction between Vauxhall on the south bank and Westminster on the north bank. Opened in 1907, it replaced an earlier bridge, originally known as Regent Bridge but later renamed Vauxhall Bridge. The original bridge, the first iron bridge over the Thames, was built by a private company and operated as a toll bridge before being taken into public ownership in 1879. The second bridge, which took eight years to build, was the first in London to carry trams and later one of the first two roads in London to have a bus lane. With the exception of alterations to the road layout and the balustrade, the design and appearance of the current bridge has remained almost unchanged since 1907.

'55 Baker Street'

2009-05-20T23:07:00.002+01:00

Title: 55 Baker Street.

Location: Baker Street, London.

Tag: okumephuna, bakerst, 55.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: 55 Baker Street sits on the site of the former Marks and Spencers Headquarters. The building is split into a series of solidly designed stone-clad blocks and separated by sections of lattice-like glass with triangular forms. Designed by Make Architects, this radical renovation of a 1950s office building pursues a cost- and energy-efficient strategy of retention and enhancement which allows the structure to fulfil its potential as an important new urban amenity. Despite its radically improved appearance, 50 per cent of the existing built fabric has been retained.

'The London Eye'

2009-05-20T22:35:00.003+01:00

Title: The London Eye.

Location: Waterloo, London.

Tag: okumephuna, waterloo, londoneye.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: The London Eye also known as the Millennium Wheel at a height of 135 metres (443 ft), is the biggest Ferris wheel in Europe. It has become the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom and is visited by millions of people yearly. At the time it was erected it was the tallest Ferris wheel in the world, until it was surpassed by the Chinese Star of Nanchang (160 m) in May 2006, and then the Singapore Flyer (165 m) in February 2008. However, it is still described by its operators as "the world's tallest cantilevered observation wheel" because the entire structure is supported by an A-frame on one side only).

'Cannabis Culture'

2009-05-20T22:14:00.002+01:00

Title: Cannabis Culture.

Location: Brixton, London.

Tag: okumephuna, brixton, cannabis.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: Brixton is on record as the cannabis culture of London and the Coldharbour lane of the London suburb has an unenviable and world record of being the kingdom and citadel of cannabis culture here in London as exemplified by this picture of a private apartment with cannabis-painted cloth as a curtain.

'Lambeth Palace'

2009-05-16T01:21:00.001+01:00

Title: Lambeth Palace.

Location: Lambeth, London.

Tag: okumephuna, lambeth, palace.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: Lambeth Palace is the official London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury. It is located in Lambeth, London. The building in the above picture is the Morton’s Tower Gatehouse. Morton's Tower is the impressive and familiar red brick Tudor gatehouse with two five story battlement towers, which forms the entrance to the modern Palace buildings and grounds. It was built by Cardinal John Morton in around 1490.

'Animetal'

2009-05-16T00:55:00.002+01:00

Title: Animetal.

Location: Champion Park, London.

Tag: okumephuna, championpark, animetal.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: These three works of art are found around the Champion Park area of the Denmark Hill. They are situated just opposite the Salvation Army buildings and what attracted me to these works is the unique nature of the works and the new media of sculpturing employed in casting them. I like to refer to the works as animetal being a combination of animal and metal.

Bicycle and Cycling Route.

2009-05-12T23:33:00.003+01:00

Title: Cycling Route.

Location: Lambeth, London.

Tag: okumephuna, lambeth, route.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: There is no doubt that biking is fast becoming a preferred medium of transportation for millions today in the developed world including myself. The racing bike above is mine and I have been biking for over 20 years now. I started with children’s bike my beloved dad bought for me and later mountain bike, then hybrid and of recent I have been training on BMX. Bicycling is a highly efficient mode of transportation. Compared to motor vehicles, bicycles have numerous benefits including: using no fuel, creating no air pollution, contributing less to traffic congestion, much quieter, great form of exercise, much easier and less costly to park, very manoeuvrable, and less costly. What a big shame that developing world especially Africa and in particular my country Nigeria is very slow in learning the benefit of this medium of transportation. Having a dedicated cycle route like the one above could be a major step in alleviating a problem of mass transit in developing countries. The physical exercise gained from cycling is generally linked with increased health and well-being. Bicycles are often used by people seeking to improve their fitness and cardiovascular health. In this regard, cycling is especially helpful for those with arthritis of the lower limbs who are unable to pursue sports that cause impact to the knees and other joints. Since cycling can be used for the practical purpose of transportation, there can be less need for self-discipline to exercise. Interestingly, it has been found that despite toning the leg muscles, cycling also tones the buttocks. Cycling while seated is a relatively non-weight bearing exercise that, like swimming, does little to promote bone density. Cycling up and out of the saddle, on the other hand, does a better job by transferring more of the rider's body weight to the legs. However, excessive cycling while standing can cause knee damage. It used to be thought that cycling while standing was less energy efficient, but recent research has proven that this is not true.

'Such is Life'

2009-05-09T01:52:00.001+01:00

Title: Such is Life.

Location: Norbury, London.

Tag: okumephuna, norbury, ghastly.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: This cyclist got more than he bargained for when his attempt to manoeuvre between two vehicles ended in a ghastly collision. Such is life that sometimes we get that we never planned or bargained for.

'Horniman Museum'

2009-05-09T01:29:00.001+01:00

Title: Horniman Museum.

Location: Forest Hill, London.

Tag: okumephuna, foresthill, museum.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: The Horniman Museum and its contents is a portion of a gift from Frederick John Horniman. Frederick John Horniman was an English tea trader, collector and public benefactor who founded the Horniman Museum in Forest Hill and handed it over to the London County Council in 1901. In 1911 an additional building to the west of the main building, originally containing a lecture hall and library, was donated by Frederick Horniman's son Emslie Horniman. The Horniman Museum contains the CUE (Centre for Understanding the Environment) building. This opened in 1996 and was designed by local architects Archetype. The building has a grass roof and was constructed from sustainable materials. It also incorporates passive ventilation.

'Look Into My Eyes'

2009-05-07T23:07:00.001+01:00

Title: Look Into My Eyes.

Location: Clapham, London.

Tag: okumephuna, clapham, eyes.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: I love the way they are looking into my eyes and the camera lens without bothering what am doing to them. However they appear to be frightened by the whole drama hence their taking refuge under the chair in one of the pictures.

'Your Right'

2009-05-07T22:56:00.000+01:00

Title: Your Right.

Location: Walworth, London.

Tag: okumephuna, walworth, right.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: The idea behind using this phrase for this advertising is very interesting.

'The Bridge'

2009-05-07T22:38:00.000+01:00

Title: The Bridge.

Location: Peckham Rye, London.

Tag: okumephuna, rye, bridge.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: I love the traditional sense behind the construction of this bridge inside the Rye Hill Park in Peckham Rye, London.

'The Valley of the Shadow of the Death'

2009-05-07T22:11:00.000+01:00

Title: The Valley of the Shadow of the Death.

Location: Nunhead, London.

Tag: okumephuna, nunhead, death.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: A lonely walk in this Nunhead Cemetery did not only give me the opportunity for meditation and reflection on the meaning of Socrates ‘unexamined life is not worth living’ but also afforded me the opportunity of having a clear picture of what Psalm 23 was saying about walking through the valley of the shadow of death. It could be scary and filled with eidetic images.

'Monument To The Unknown Artist'

2009-05-05T00:39:00.000+01:00

Title: Monument To The Unknown Artist.

Location: Bankside, London.

Tag: okumephuna, bankside, unknown.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: At first glance Monument to the Unknown Artist appears to be a simple bronze statue, dressed in a neck scarf and loose fitting suit. However, the six meter animatronic monument seeks inspiration from passers-by, inviting them to strike poses which he copies, continually changing his form in a light-hearted and mischievous way. Throw your arms in the air with joy, put your hands on your head in despair, shake your fist at the world and this super-sized bronze figure will respond to you in a playful manner. The unique sculpture offers an alternative and accessible creative experience for the public allowing them to create a dialogue with the work of art. The Latin phrase ‘Non plaudit modo pecuniam jacite’ means ‘Do not applaud, just throw money’.

'Eating My Own Eggs'

2009-05-02T00:44:00.001+01:00

Title: Eating My Own Eggs.

Location: Forest Hill, London.

Tag: okumephuna, foresthill, eggs.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: Eating my own eggs is a work of Bernard Matemera. He was born in Zezuru, Zimbabwe in 1946. His style of art is like something from beyond the earth because they are usually queer and unusual. Rarely has an African artist achieved such acclaimed international status by creating contemporary art that is purely "Afro-centric". Such praise and recognition are more commonly reserved for those African artists who produce art that is comparable in content and form to established Western artistic standards. Matemera's work jars the senses. His trademark figures juxtapose animal and human characteristics, often depicting creatures with only two or three toes and fingers. Archeologists have now confirmed that such a people once inhabited the northern parts of present day Zimbabwe. His work is therefore uniquely African and not otherworldly as even admiring art critics have noted. His imposing and powerful figures seem to stalk the viewer. They command attention.

'United Family'

2009-05-02T00:09:00.000+01:00

Title: United Family.

Location: Forest Hill, London.

Tag: okumephuna, foresthill, family.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: This piece by Gedion Nyanhongo is found in the African Garden of the Horniman Museum in Forest Hill, London and it is titled ‘United Family’. Gedion was born in 1967 in Mazarura Village, Nyanga in Zimbabwe. He was a qualified Motor Mechanic before he took on art full time. As a boy Gideon would spend time trying to assist his father in his workshop; this was despite the fact that picking up a hammer was extremely difficult for the young Gedion. Instead of working towards finishing his own small pieces Gedion wanted to work with Claude’s tools and to finish his father’s pieces. Gedion excelled in art and craft at primary school, the lessons he received in the mornings from Claude assisted him in this. Of his father’s work, Gedion enjoyed observing the wood and stone sculptors although Claude was also a gifted blacksmith working on iron tools. At primary school Gedion’s confidence was nurtured by the displaying of his craft and the prizes he received.

'Swordfish Masquerade'

2009-05-01T22:06:00.000+01:00

Title: Swordfish Masquerade.

Location: Peckham, London.

Tag: okumephuna, peckham, swordfish.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: This Swordfish Masquerade by Nigerian-born sculptor Sokari Douglass Camp CBE is situated at 81 Hanover Park in Peckham. It was inspired by Kalabari traditional performers from the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. Born in Buguma in the Niger Delta of Nigeria Sokari received her art education at the Central School of Art and Design and the Royal College of Art both in London, where she now lives and works. This piece of work is very controversial since women are not allowed to make masks, perform in masquerade or detail the features of masquerade in Kalabari culture where she hails from.

'Rio Ferdinand'

2009-05-01T21:41:00.000+01:00

Title: Rio Ferdinand.

Location: Peckham, London.

Tag: okumephuna, peckham, rio.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: This is the house where Rio Ferdinand was brought up. It is called Gisburn House and is situated within the Friary Estate in Peckham. He lived in Flat 18 with his parents Janice and Julian and brothers Anton and Jeremiah. Rio at the moment plays for the Manchester United. The blue plaque on the left of the building reads, ‘London Borough of Southwark. Rio Ferdinand, Born 1978, Peckham’s football legend who lived on the Friary Estate. Voted by the People’.

'The Peckham Library'

2009-05-01T20:42:00.001+01:00

Title: The Peckham Library.

Location: Peckham, London.

Tag: okumephuna, peckham, library.

Story: Each time I see this Peckham Library it makes me begin to wonder what the planners intended to achieve with this inverted L-shape building. Am yet to see any sense in this it. On a very personal note this building is an architectural disgrace and nonsense. Others however do not share same opinion with me. The building has been acclaimed as a masterpiece by many. The Peckham Library in strictly architectural terms is a rehash of the design Alsop & Stormer made in 1993 for the Welsh National Literature Centre planned for Swansea. It was rejected by the Welsh National Assembly. Swansea’s loss became Peckham’s gain.

'The London Bridge'

2009-05-01T02:02:00.000+01:00

Title: The London Bridge.

Location: London Bridge, London.

Tag: okumephuna, london bridge, bridge.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: London Bridge is a bridge between the City of London and Southwark in London, United Kingdom, over the River Thames. Situated between Cannon Street Railway Bridge and Tower Bridge, it forms the western end of the Pool of London. On the south side of the bridge are Southwark Cathedral and London Bridge station; on the north side are the Monument to the Great Fire of London and Monument tube station. It was the only bridge over the Thames downstream from Kingston until Putney Bridge opened in 1729. The current bridge opened on 17 March 1973. The bridge carries part of the A3 road. Tower Bridge is often mistakenly referred to as "London Bridge" but they are two separate bridges.

'The Tower Bridge'

2009-05-01T01:49:00.001+01:00

Title: The Tower Bridge.

Location: Tower Bridge, London.

Tag: okumephuna, tower bridge, bridge.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: The Tower Bridge which was completed in 1894 is a combined bascule and suspension bridge in London, United Kingdom, over the River Thames. It is close to the Tower of London, which gives it its name. It has become an iconic symbol of London. The bridge consists of two towers which are tied together at the upper level by means of two horizontal walkways which are designed to withstand the horizontal forces exerted by the suspended sections of the bridge to the left and the right. The above picture is one of the towers. The vertical component of the forces in the suspended sections and the vertical reactions of the two walkways are carried by the two robust towers. The bascule pivots and operating machinery are housed in the base of each tower. Its present colour dates from 1977 when it was painted red, white and blue for the Queen's Silver Jubilee. Originally it was painted a chocolate brown colour.

'Simplicity'

2009-05-01T01:19:00.001+01:00

Title: Simplicity.

Location: University of Loughborough, Loughborough.

Tag: okumephuna, loughborough, engineering.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: This award-winning building is the Civil and Building Engineering Department of the University of Loughborough. I love the simplicity behind the whole design.

'The Fruitless Tree'

2009-04-30T12:13:00.000+01:00

Title: The Fruitless Tree.

Location: Clapham Common, London.

Tag: okumephuna, clapham, fruitless.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: I saw this fruitless tree in Clapham Common when I was literally starving having done about 10 miles of biking that morning and the story of how Jesus Christ cursed a fruitless tree pushed me to take the picture.

'Man In His Glory'

2009-04-30T11:58:00.000+01:00

Title: Man In His Glory.

Location: London Bridge, London.

Tag: okumephuna, bridge, glory.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: This picture portrays man in his full glory and how he can look fabulously, superbly, spectacularly, splendidly, amazingly, marvellously, wonderfully and resplendently good naked. How I wish people would be allowed to go naked at least once in a month to show the glory of man! If plant and animals can do it why not humans?

'Me'

2009-04-30T02:25:00.001+01:00

Title: Me.

Location: London Bridge, London.

Tag: okumephuna, bridge, me.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: This is the photo of the photographer and copyright holder Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu. This picture lends credence to the fact that the more you look the more your head comes out and the more you focus on others the more attention is focused on you. If you point at people with one finger, four of yours points back at you.

'My Shadow'

2009-04-30T02:12:00.000+01:00

Title: My Shadow.

Location: Peckham, London.

Tag: okumephuna, peckham, shadow.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: This is the shadow of the photographer and copyright holder Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu. Sometimes it is worthwhile to leave the substance to pursue the shadow.

'The Open Toilet'

2009-04-30T02:07:00.000+01:00

Title: The Open Toilet.

Location: Waterloo, London.

Tag: okumephuna, waterloo, toilet.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: I was shocked when I saw this water cistern toilet in an open place in Waterloo. This young man beside it was obviously not thrilled. Thank God it was not meant for the natural use.

'The Golden Man'

2009-04-30T01:58:00.000+01:00

Title: The Golden Man.

Location: Waterloo, London.

Tag: okumephuna, waterloo, golden.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: This comic character is interesting for the fact that he is dressed in gold despite the on-going global financial problems.

'Ujama'

2009-04-30T01:52:00.000+01:00

Title: Ujama.

Location: Camberwell, London.

Tag: okumephuna, camberwell, lucas.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: What attracted me to shoot this picture is the tranquillity and ujamaistic nature of these stones. They look a kind of serious and give one the impression that they are having a very important meeting and therefore should not be disturbed.

'Benin Ivory Mask'

2009-04-30T01:42:00.000+01:00

Title: Benin Ivory Mask.

Location: Dulwich, London.

Tag: okumephuna, Dulwich, benin.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: This is a picture of a carving I saw in my uncle’s house and it bears close semblance to the Ivory Mask associated with the ancient Benin Kingdom of Nigeria. It is in fact a wooden version of it. The original which probably dates as far back as 16th century is now in the British Museum. It formed part of artefacts looted by the colonial government when they ransacked the palace of Oba Ovonranwem Nogbaisi in late 1800s. The palace of Benin is the centre of ritual activity focused on the well-being and prosperity of the Edo people. Each year the Oba (king) of Benin performs rituals in which he honours his royal ancestors to enhance the good fortunes of his people. One important ceremony, Igue Festival, centres on the Oba's mystical powers, which are then demonstrated in a subsequent ritual, Emobo, whose main purpose is for the Oba to drive away any evil forces. The Oba sits in a red pavilion, red being a 'threatening' colour to help force away evil. Later he dances with an ivory gong, striking it to repel malevolent forces. This type of mask was worn by the Oba, probably around his neck, during the Emobo ceremony. The pendant is said to represent Queen Mother Idia, mother of Oba Esigie who ruled in the sixteenth century. The top of the pendant is decorated with heads representing the Portuguese, symbolizing Benin's alliance with and control over Europeans. The Portuguese continued to appear in Benin art long after they had disappeared from Benin itself. In actual fact the first contact with Europeans in Nigeria was recorded in 1500s and that was the Portuguese contact with the Benin Kingdom. To understand this more read this drama ‘Ovonranwem Nogbaisi’ by Ola Rotimi.

'No 197 Blackfriars'

2009-04-30T01:14:00.000+01:00

Title: No 197 Blackfriars.

Location: Blackfriars, London.

Tag: okumephuna, blackfriars, no197.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: I simply love the idea behind this building.

'No 1 London Bridge'

2009-04-30T01:10:00.000+01:00

Title: No 1 London Bridge.

Location: London Bridge, London.

Tag: okumephuna, bridge, no1.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: Though am yet to make sense out of this building in Tower Bridge, it still tickles my fancy.

'Southwark Cathedral'

2009-04-30T00:58:00.000+01:00

Title: Southwark Cathedral.

Location: Southwark, London.

Tag: okumephuna, southwark, cathedral.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: A church stood on this site for over 1400 years while a convent was founded in 606 AD. A monastery was established by St. Swithun in the 9th century and later became an Augustinian Priory under the Normans in 1106 AD. Norman stonework can still be seen. It is the first Gothic church to be built in London (1212) and was consecrated as a Cathedral in 1905. St. Thomas a Becket is said to have preached here as he fled London. St. Thomas Hospital was founded here. Cardinal Henry Beaufort, Bishop of Winchester restored the church after a fire in 1212 and presided at the condemnation of Joan of Arc. Heresy trials occurred during the Reformation in 1555. Southwark Cathedral otherwise called The Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St. Saviour and St. Mary Overie contains the tomb of John Gower poet and friend of Geoffrey Chaucer whose Canterbury Tales begin in Southwark. It contains a monument to William Shakespeare while his brother Edmond and playwrights Fletcher and Massinger are buried here. Bishop Lancelot Andrewes who translated the first five books of the Authorised Version of the Bible into English is buried here. John Harvard, born locally was baptised here ultimately endowing Harvard University. It contains a memorial for the Marchioness riverboat victims as well as tributes to both Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

'Welcome Sister Spring'

2009-04-27T20:30:00.001+01:00

Title: Welcome Sister Spring.

Location: East Dulwich, London.

Tag: okumephuna, dulwich, flower.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: The blossoming of this flower is a reflection of man's happiness, eagerness and desire to have once again the beautiful season of spring which ushers in the much anticipated season of summer.

'Titania'

2009-04-27T20:24:00.000+01:00

Title: Titania.

Location: Waterloo, London.

Tag: okumephuna, waterloo, titania.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: It is funny seeing this bus in the shape of a boat. Interestingly the name is Titania. Thank God it is not Titanic.

'Assisi'

2009-04-27T14:37:00.000+01:00

Title: Assisi.

Location: Assisi, Italy.

Tag: okumephuna, assisi, italy.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: Assisi is a town in Umbria region of central Italy. A religious and tourist centre, it stands on a hill with an expansive view of the plains below where I actually took this picture from. Although well known in Roman times and throughout the Middle Ages, it owes its modern fame chiefly to St. Francis of Assisi, who was born there in 1182 and died there in 1226. Above his tomb is the basilica of St. Francis—two Gothic churches (both consecrated 1253) decorated with frescoes depicting the life of the saint and other scenes, executed by Cimabue, Giotto, Martini, and others. The basilica was severely damaged in a 1997 earthquake but reopened in 1999 after partial restoration. The Franciscan convent nearby has a valuable library. Other landmarks in Assisi are the Cathedral of San Rufino (begun 1140), the Church of Santa Chiara (1257–65), and a 14th-century castle. In the plain below is the imposing late-Renaissance Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli (1569–1679), built around the little chapel of Porziuncola, where St. Francis founded the Franciscan Order. Also nearby is the 15th century Carceri Hermitage and the Convent of San Damiano built in 11 century. I loved Assisi with all my heart due to its quietness, tranquillity and village-like nature and I lived there for about six months. Assisi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

'Smile Your Car Is Under The Speed Camera'

2009-04-27T14:14:00.001+01:00

Title: Smile Your Car Is Under The Speed Camera.

Location: Clapham, London.

Tag: okumephuna, clapham, car.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: This powerful state-of-the-art speed camera is not only capable of taking plate numbers of fast-moving vehicles but could as well take a clear picture of both the driver and all his passengers including those at the back. This is a good example of madness and a vindication of ‘1984’ by George Orwell.

'We Are Watching You'

2009-04-27T14:02:00.000+01:00

Title: We Are Watching You.

Location: Tower Bridge, London.

Tag: okumephuna, towerbridge, camera.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: London and the whole of the United Kingdom are gradually turning into a big brother nation. This is a fulfilment of George Orwell's prophetic novel '1984'. Cameras in the nation are today as ubiquitous as bees in the bush and it will be a while before they come into our bedrooms. One really wonders what happens next!

'The South African House'

2009-04-27T13:46:00.000+01:00

Title: The South African House.

Location: Trafalgar Square, London.

Tag: okumephuna, trafalgar, south.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: This is the South African House in London. It also serves as their High Commission to the Palace of St. James. Each time I look at that building it reminds me of apartheid and the wickedness of racism.

'1914-1918'

2009-04-27T13:36:00.000+01:00

Title: 1914-1918.

Location: Tower Bridge, London.

Tag: okumephuna, tower, 1918.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: This monument in Tower Bridge to the unknown soldiers who died during the First World War (1914-1918) reads ‘To The Glory Of God And To The Honour of Twelve Thousand Of The Merchant Navy And Fishing Fleets Who Have No Grave But The Sea’.

'The Brave Heart'

2009-04-27T13:20:00.001+01:00

Title: The Brave Heart.

Location: Peckham, London.

Tag: okumephuna, peckham, brave.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: I like the way and the courage with which he looks into my camera lens for me to take this picture.

'The Bird-In-Bush'

2009-04-26T14:38:00.000+01:00

Title: The Bird-In-Bush.

Location: Peckham London, London.

Tag: okumephuna, peckham, bird.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: Two things come to mind when you hear the name of this street in Peckham, South East London. One is birds while the other is a bush. Unfortunately two of them are not there.

'Champion Park'

2009-04-26T14:34:00.000+01:00

Title: Champion Park.

Location: Champion Park, London.

Tag: okumephuna, champion, park.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: I love the name of this street. It gives you that feeling that the battle is all over now. The sense of arriving home to relax in summer of happiness after a winter of agony. The feeling of being a champion. A winner and of course all of us would eventually get there as we begin to gradually achieve our dreams and ambitions.

'The Nelson Column'

2009-04-26T05:18:00.001+01:00

Title: The Nelson Column.

Location: Trafalgar Square, London.

Tag: okumephuna, trafalgar, nelson.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: The column was built between 1840 and 1843 to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson's death at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The 5.5 m (18 ft) statue of Nelson stands on top of a 46 m (151 ft) granite column. The statue faces south looking towards the Admiralty, with the Mall on his right flank, where Nelson's ships are represented on the top of each flagpole. The top of the Corinthian column (based on one from the Temple of Mars Ultor in Rome) is decorated with bronze acanthus leaves cast from British cannon. The square pedestal is decorated with four bronze panels, cast from captured French guns, depicting Nelson's four great victories. The monument was designed by architect William Railton in 1838, and built by the firm Peto & Grissell. Railton's original 1:22-scale stone model is exhibited at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London. The sandstone statue at the top was sculpted by E.H. Baily, a member of the Royal Academy. A small bronze plaque crediting him is at the base of the statue. The four bronze panels around the pedestal were undertaken by the sculptors Musgrave Watson, John Ternouth, William F Woodington, and John Edward Carew. The entire monument was built at a cost of 47,500 pounds at the time. The four lions, by Sir Edwin Landseer, at the column's base were added after much delay in 1867.

'The David'

2009-04-26T03:40:00.001+01:00

Title: The David.

Location: Florence, Italy.

Tag: okumephuna, florence, david.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: This famous statue of David (left) by Michelangelo has been viewed by millions round the world and still attracts visitors in their millions yearly. The David is considered a masterpiece, an ideal male form combining heroic strength and human uncertainty. It is erected in 1504 in the public plaza of Florence, the Piazza Della Signoria. In 1873, the original is moved to the Academia delle Belle Arti, where it is better protected for posterity, and a copy of the work is erected in the plaza in 1882.

'Micheal Jackson?'

2009-04-25T12:01:00.000+01:00

Title: Michael Jackson?

Location: Peckham Rye, London.

Tag: okumephuna, peckham rye, jackson.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: I took this picture from a moving bus and what really captured my interest was that the man was naively reconstructing that famous picture taken of Michael Jackson when he was showing the world his new child.

'I Feel Good'

2009-04-25T11:44:00.001+01:00

Title:I Feel Good.

Location: Old Kent Road, London.

Tag: okumephuna, old kent road, feel.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: This young man is certainly feeling very good after a night out that ended in over boozing, wetting of his pant and the conversion of this SUV as a sleeping bag.

'The Shell Building'

2009-04-25T11:16:00.001+01:00

Title:The Shell Building.

Location: Waterloo, London.

Tag: okumephuna, waterloo, shell

Story: I love the imposing nature of the Shell Building in Waterloo, London. The beauty, riches and imposing nature of the building is a pure contrast of the environmental degradation the Shell has done in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria which has plunged millions into perpetual poverty. This is because the land they could have farmed on or the water they could fish from has been polluted by the drilling activities of Shell and others.