Old landline exchange, Post Office, Lubumbashi, DR Congo 2008

Curator: Guy Tillim's photograph, "Old landline exchange, Post Office, Lubumbashi, DR Congo," really captures a certain mood of decay. What are your initial thoughts? Editor: Immediately, I see a powerful visual metaphor for obsolescence. That old telephone exchange rack dominates the space, a skeletal reminder of connectivity, now silent. Curator: Tillim often explores the social and political landscapes of post-colonial Africa. The image evokes broader discussions about infrastructure, access, and the failures of modernization in the Congo. Editor: The light and shadows also feel significant. The harsh light coming through the window contrasts with the darkness of the exchange itself, symbolizing a tension between past and present, access and denial. Curator: Precisely. The photograph compels us to consider the social and political implications of technological change and the unequal distribution of its benefits in post-colonial contexts. Editor: Absolutely, it's a potent reminder that even the simplest images can unlock complex histories and speak to larger, ongoing power dynamics. Curator: It certainly offers a great deal to reflect on. Editor: Agreed. The ghosts of communication linger.