Kemka Ajoku
KEMKA AJOKU’S CONTEMPLATIVE PORTRAITURE AND FASHION WORK BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTS BLACK CULTURE AND CREATIVITY WITH PHOTOGRAPHIC SERENITY, POWER, GRACE, AND VERVE.
These palpable qualities originate behind his lens and emanate through it, with the fingerprints of technicality subsumed and transmuted by a deeper spiritual gaze. Whether it’s his stylish, moody portraits of musicians and artists, or his collaborations with fashion labels, Kemka’s work always feels personal, since in some way or another he is always quietly but firmly redocumenting and reframing Black subjecthood, style, individuality, and alternativity.
Images published here by TSUKI include a mix: from Kemka’s personal project “My Brother’s Keeper” (a collaboration with Nigerian-owned clothing line Vrede919) which explores the positive relationship between brotherhood and self-determination, from his professional portraiture, as well as work from his commission for Shakkar Shades.
WHERE DO YOU DRAW YOUR INFLUENCES AND AESTHETIC FROM?
Growing up I was very fascinated by nature. Being raised in urban surroundings the only time I was really surrounded by it was when I’d go to the park or on holidays to other countries. Before I started photography I would take photos of whatever fascinated me usually on my iPod touch or iPhone, and would post photos on my VSCO page. Over time a lot of my friends would commend me on my photos, and I’d meet people who were aware of my photos on VSCO.
Moving to Nigeria to study I was introduced to a lot more greenery via my university campus, and I used these surroundings as backdrops for my earlier work. Over time this became a trademark for my portrait sessions. Nature has always been at the forefront of my work.
HOW DO YOU CREATE AT HOME? HOW HAS THIS BEEN DIFFERENT FROM YOUR REGULAR PROCESS?
This lockdown has affected my creative process due to the fact that I shoot on film, and I don’t currently have the equipment required to process and scan my photos. However, I’ve used this time at home to reflect on my past and analyse my work; whether it be researching techniques or re-editing old photos again with experience I’ve gained over time.
HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO WORK IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD OR YOUR STUDIO DURING THIS SITUATION? OR IS IT JUST FROM HOME?
Despite not being able to process work at home, I have recently taken my camera out and taken images in and around the estate I’m currently staying in. This lockdown has put me in a bit of a tight space when it comes to finding alternative measures to work during these times, but I’m trying to make the most out of the resources I’m currently given.
HAS THIS SITUATION ENCOURAGED OR EVEN DEMANDED YOU TO TRY SOMETHING NEW?
I have always been interested in art, mainly painting and sketching, I feel like it’s such an expressive art form. I’ve done a lot of research into art since this lockdown started and feel like it is something I’ll pursue a lot more aggressively once this current storm we’re in has cleared. But for now I’m using this time to really learn a lot more about photography, and the creative processes that go into working on projects.
HOW ARE YOU STAYING INSPIRED AND MOTIVATED?
Spirituality is something I’ve practised a lot more in order to stay mentally positive, because without a good mindset, I struggle to find inspiration or motivation to wake up and learn something new. Also, I’ve been using other art forms such as music and film for example to draw inspiration for my photography. My notes app and archive account are filled with images and lyrics that have inspired ideas that I’d like to reference from once I’m able to shoot again.
HOW HAS LOCKDOWN-LIFE ALTERED YOUR WORK?
I have really taken a break from physically taking photos, and this has forced me to look at all other aspects of photography, whether it be studying colour theory or enhancing my marketing side. I feel like these are some of the aspects in my work that I didn’t focus on as much before the lockdown started, and this period has really taught me there’s a lot more to photography than taking your camera and shooting.
ARE THERE ANY POSITIVE (OR NEGATIVE) CHANGES YOU CAN SEE COMING OUT OF THIS SITUATION?
Outside of art, I feel I’ve been a lot more grateful for life since this all started. People have been dying at astronomical rates over the past few months and the ability to live and breathe isn’t something that I take for granted. So coming out of this situation I feel people will start to see the silver lining in everyday things we used to take for granted.
WHO ELSE'S WORK MIGHT YOU WANT TO SEE FEATURED ON TSUKI?
@miracle.otugo. He’s a photographer but also delves into different creative arts, such as coding and UX/UI. I’d say he’s more of a multi-disciplinarian more than anything else.
HAVE YOU BEEN WATCHING / LISTENING / READING ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?
I’ve been slowly digested the work of Wes Anderson, especially when it comes to his framing and directing skills. Also I’ve revisited Studio Ghibli and used their work to feed into my creativity and open up ideas I may have previously thought to be too far-fetched or unattainable.
For books, the only book I’ve really focused on is “Seven Spiritual Laws of Success” by Deepak Chopra. Digesting this book in small doses has really allowed me to stay positive and optimistic in these current times.