About

In my twenties, I had several opportunities to travel through multiple countries in Africa. During these trips, I'd have the company of my father, who also shares the enjoyment of using cameras to capture moments. In 2019, we set out for another African trek, this time to Kigali, Rwanda. Usually, our mission to these countries was purely touristic and photographic, although this trip, I was really there to assist in helping my dad in locating land for a new home. In a week, we’d drive through rolling hills and rural villages where I’d get a feel for the real Rwanda. As we know, Rwanda and its people have experienced dark times. In 2019, the country was in mourning, honoring the 25th commemoration of the genocide that took place in 1994. I could easily sense the weight Rwanda was still carrying since that time. So much life was lost. When I’d look around, the majority of people I’d see were very young in age. It seems as if there were very few elders around. The Fuji X-T4 camera system was what I used at the time. The film simulations, like Acros 100, were fabulous when shooting in (jpg) format. This particular still, however, was shot RAW and later revisited again and again in post to get to this point in processing.

The photograph “Through Rolling Hills” by Nkosi Gomez presents a wide, black-and-white view of a rural roadside scene that feels both expansive and intimate. At the center sits a makeshift structure built from corrugated metal sheets and wooden supports, its rough construction revealing wear and resilience. The shack appears to function as a small roadside stand or shelter, with large bunches of bananas carefully stacked along its outer wall, suggesting local trade and daily sustenance.

To the left, a small group of people gathers near the road—some standing, one with a bicycle—engaged in quiet conversation or waiting. Their presence introduces a sense of community and shared rhythm. On the right, a child steps forward into the open space, mid-stride, looking outward with a mix of curiosity and independence. Nearby, another figure bends under the shelter, possibly arranging goods or tending to work.

The background stretches into gently rolling hills beneath a sky filled with textured clouds, giving the image its title and a sense of geographic identity. The landscape feels open yet grounded, framing the human activity within a broader natural environment.

The composition balances movement and stillness: the child’s motion contrasts with the grounded structure, while the distant figures anchor the scene in everyday life. The monochrome palette emphasizes texture—the rough earth, the layered metal, the soft clouds—while stripping away distraction, allowing the viewer to focus on form, labor, and presence.

With the added context of travel through these landscapes, the photograph reads as a moment of encounter—an observation of life along the road, where commerce, family, and environment intersect. It quietly reflects resilience, routine, and the interconnectedness of people within their surroundings, capturing not just a place, but the lived experience of moving through it.

Specifications

Artwork Size: 6 ½ x 8 ½ ( 16.51 x 21.59 cm )

Print Size: Signed 8×10 in ( 20.32 x 25.4 cm )

Black Precut Mat Size: 11×14 in ( 27.94 x 35.56 cm )

Photo finish: Epson Velvet Fine Art. Textured Matte Finish. An acid-free, 100% cotton rag base with a natural textured finish. This paper has an extremely high color gamut and black density. This paper is coated with our popular Enhanced Matte coating, giving exceptional color gamut and high D-Max. The velvet surface is a favorite of photographers and artists alike, offering a unique museum-quality feel.

Frame NOT Included.

This print ships within one week of the order date.