Kwame Koda
“To my understanding the Black gaze simply narrows down focus on Black artistes.
I think it matters because it brings to light a different perspective of story telling from Black people, by Black people in a way that inspires and motivates Black excellence.”
How does the Black gaze relate to your photography practice?
In relation to my practice it is of importance to me tell my story from my part of the world as a Black artist. Through the art of photography I am able to express myself visually by telling stories from my locality.
What do you want to say or address with your photography?
Every photograph for me is a statement, the main message for me is Peace, Beauty, Art, An Inspiration of excellence and a fictional transition into a place of sound mind.
What influences and inspires you? How is this reflected in your work?
I am inspired by surrealism, fine art, the sea, palm trees, and the pairing of dramatic colours. My work is mainly influenced by my personal relations and emotions, as well as work from some of my favourite photographers.
All these Influences and inspirations manifests itself in my work through the way the I make compositions and tell my stories by making use of these elements.
Who are your favourite Black photographers from the past? Why?
Joshua Kissi, Greg Noire and Tyler Mitchell have been my favourite black photographers due to their dynamic approach to photography. I have been able to learn so much and develop my own unique skill by paying close attention to details in their work and their style of photo editing.
Please describe the highs and lows of your experience as a Black photographer?
The goal has always been to make a statement with my art, at the beginning I started with phone photography which I did for two years. I moved into digital photography and I remember totally messing up my first paid gig as an event photography at the age of 18.
It took me lot of mistakes and wrong moves to get where I am at the moment. I only see the picture getting bigger, the more I expose myself to my weakness the more I get better and that’s my main priority at the moment.
What work are you producing and what more would you like to do?
I am currently working on photography project about male masculinity to highlight the stories around modern day cancel-culture and it’s effect on men’s masculinity.
I’d want to make a positive change in our modern society, within my locality with story telling through the art photography. I only see the message getting louder and clearer and I see it as a personal responsibility to pioneer this positive movement.
Kwame Koda is a Ghanian-based photographer, creative director and entrepreneur who creates visual content for local and international brands. Kwame likes to tell stories through the unique art of conceptual photography.
Kwame is also the co-founder of ‘Afrokosmo Magazine’, a news outlet created to promote African art and integrate Africa’s indigenous culture with the rest of the world through journalism.