Like many first-generation immigrants, John’s life hasn’t been straightforward. At 26, he moved to the United Kingdom from Kenya, seeking a pathway to study, gain financial mobility and experience a new culture. “He worked his way up as a Nurse,” Benson explains. “He became an expert in mental health and went on to manage different departments. The work suited him because he’s incredibly caring. He took the job very seriously, putting in a lot of additional hours, understanding that people relied upon him and the decisions he made affected people’s lives and livelihoods.” As John got older, his health began to fluctuate, resulting in a lot of time spent in and out of the hospital. Through these challenging times, the camera gave Benson a way to deal with the overwhelming reality of his father’s diminishing health.
In January, after much rumination, John moved back to Kenya. His life in the UK had become quiet and isolated, accelerated by redundancy from a job he dedicated his life to. “One night, we sat together and had an honest conversation about his relationship with the two countries,” says Benson. “I reflected back to him the juxtaposition between his solitary life in the UK and his extraordinary social life in Kenya. He fills a room when he’s there, and everyone’s delighted to have him around. As he gets older, it becomes a question of where you would rather spend the rest of the time you have.”