The duality of space
This illustration depicts the coexistence of two parallel economic systems: the harbour symbolises formal, regulated trade, while the foreground is characterised by informal street markets that are flexible, unregulated, and embedded in everyday urban life.
These informal markets are run by hard-working ‘informal traders’ who supply affordable goods and accessible services to their clientele. Despite their economic contributions, they frequently face harassment from law enforcement authorities and formal-sector actors, who characterise them as “free riders.”
Rather than constituting a rigidly bounded system, the scene reflects a dynamic urban environment in which formal and informal economies intersect, compete, and coexist.
