BLACK LIVES MATTER .
BLACK . LIVES . MATTER . PERIOD .
What this means to me?
I grew up heavily bullied. Learning at a young age that people hate to hate. Hate for things that you may not even be able to control. It sickened me. Everyone should be treated equally and with kindness. Due to this way of thinking, at a young age, my heart and mind saw everyone as their own ‘soul’. What I mean by soul? Who you are as an individual, regardless of your skin, age, gender, sexual orientation, etc. If you are kind, I am kind to you. Each person comes as a clean slate.
To see people I care for ( even those who I’ve only heard of, seen, and unseen); it breaks my heart when there is discrimination and pain being inflicted. I could never understand how people can hate or even fear so much. This is however, just a single perspective in a world of countless people. I am only seeing a sliver of how deep this lies.
I’m not the greatest with words, but I wanted to help in any way I can to support the BLM movement. I am always open to learn more and if possible help others.
This is not about a 'war’, this is about creating a ‘peace’. We are all human, and there is enough violence and hate being thrown around that I want to make this about understanding and communication through connection of us as a human race.
The person in these portraits is named Cleo.
When I first met Cleo, I could already see his warmth and passion as an individual. Cleo has a great mind and truly inspires those around him. He is actively and opening discussing his thoughts on his beliefs. Helping educating others and is current working on self journey, body positivity. His instagram handle is @cwoodz8 .
The original idea was to create a powerful image that really gets the viewer to feel and connect. To get people to start thinking. I wanted to create an almost contemporary piece. I had researched about African face paint, the proper ways to apply using index and middle finger, learning about different regions’s designs, the ideology of the impact of face paint. What all the colours, and symbols mean; as well as the psychological impact of the colours. When creating an art work, it leaves viewers up to interpretation and self-exploration. To create these images, Cleo and I had a talk about the meaning of the movement and his personal journey through it. He took a moment to endure no longer, express his emotions. We had a heart to heart talk, We almost started to cry but wanted to make this photoshoot an uplifting one. With a positive outlook, (outcome).
The “KING” attire.
ÖFUURË
@ofuure
“ÖFUURË is an award-winning African fashion brand featuring beautiful pieces with vibrant prints and bold patterns for the every day Queen. Originating from Nigeria, the Ishan word ofure means it is well. With this sentiment, we encourage our Queens to always be bold! be beautiful! be fabulous!"
Touching hearts.
For the final moments of our session, we relaxed and had some fun. These represent more on the person. About Cleo, his essence, love, energy, and personality. Of course he has so much to share with the world, that these photos will just be a portion of his flourishing individuality. This goes back to the origins of why I became a photographer.