BRIAN HODGES: ODILO LAWINY
Odilo Lawiny is a photographic series by award-winning documentary photographer Brian Hodges; that captures the ingenuity and spirit of youth in Uganda. The title refers to handmade soccer balls crafted from discarded materials—rags, leaves, and plastic—given new life through play. Miles from main roads, balls bounce unevenly across arid, lush, sandy, or weedy fields—any open patch will do. Goalposts are fashioned from rocks or branches. Some children play barefoot; others wear worn sneakers, boots, or rubber sandals. Yet they chase and strike these lopsided balls with remarkable skill and joy, competing for pride and the simple thrill of the game. Built entirely from recuperated materials, the balls may last days or months on gravel or hard earth. Presented as large-scale photographic works, the series celebrates resilience, creativity, and empowerment through play. Each image reflects not only a love of football, but a powerful story of resourcefulness and imagination in the face of limited means.
All proceeds from the Odilo Lawiny series support African Women Rising, a non-profit organisation founded in 2006 to empower women affected by war with the tools to rise out of extreme poverty. Odilo Lawiny is on view at Allianz Stadium Members, Moore Park from 27 February to 30 April 2026, and at Hugh Stewart Gallery from 28 February to 29 March 2026.
Image credit: Courtesy of the artist.
