BFA EXHIBIT ARCHIVE
Visual Resources Library
 

Osejieme Akhile: Rush

Herbert Sanders Gallery, 10/6/2025–10/10/2025

Advisor: Shaun O'Dell

 

Artist's Statement

RUSH is a photographic series that explores my relationship with time, pressure, and how I approach getting things done. I've always noticed that I tend to complete work at the last minute–not because I don't care, but because rushing has become part of how I operate. Even when the work turns out well, there's always this feeling of being pushed, of moving faster than necessary. With this project, I want to explore that experience visually and reflect on what it means for how I respond to deadlines, challenges, and unexpected obstacles.

The images will focus on motion blur, abstraction, and color to capture that feeling of speed and intensity. Motion blur represents the chaos and unpredictability of working under pressure, while abstraction lets me interpret the experience rather than just document it. Color helps communicate mood, energy, and emotion. Together, these elements will create a visual language that reflects not just what I do, but how I feel when I'm “rushed”–when clarity and chaos start to merge.

I shot in San Francisco, a city whose constant movement, crowded streets, and layered architecture naturally echo the concept of rushing. I created six to nine images that represent how I see the world, how I respond when things don't go as planned, and how I navigate the blur of working under pressure. RUSH isn't just about speed or deadlines–it's about finding meaning and expression even when everything is moving faster than I'd like.