Neither is art. Pt. 2
This is part of an on-going conversation with photographer, poet, and filmmaker, Joladé Olusanya, to better understand the process behind his art. He’s currently working on his debut book, untitled and we had a chance to spend some time with him in New York City earlier this year.
If you missed Neither is art Pt. 1, you can read that here.
Q: What has this process been like for you?
A: making 'untitled' has been tough so far. in ways I didn't think it would be. we haven't even touched the book making part yet. it's mostly been editing, curating and I guess getting used to the fact that I'm trying to put a body of work together and I have a publisher (!) and people looking forward to it. mostly tough because I have to motivate myself and go through it alone which I don't mind but it also means I'm the one it all hinges on. but it's also been humbling, exciting and beautiful. i'm beyond grateful to be in this process + space.
Q: How has the process of putting together your book influenced your creative process overall?
A: it's made me more analytical and got me to think about why I do what I do in the first place. a body of work requires intention and careful thought. some artists are involved in the process and each one has made me go to back to the intent and rethink what it is I'm trying to do and what I want the book to do for me and for others. it's made me vulnerable when I didn't think I'd need to be and it's made me more passionate about developing my practice and voice.
Q: Who has come into the creative process and how have they influenced the direction of your book?
A: community has played a huge part. it made me think about the life I want for the book but the results of it too. each artist and person I've met and told about the book has given me tips on curating, editing and even lifestyle advice to help. the body of work is centered on the community anyway so without them there is nothing. I definitely want to credit my publisher too for being so flexible with the process and understanding overall. can't say I'd have a direction without them. travel also, work has been taking me abroad again and with the books direction in mind I've been shooting with a clearer focus which has been amazing to experience compared to before where I shot with no clear goal.
Q: Where are you at in the process? (not necessarily a question relative to time, want to give people a peek behind the curtain to your overall creative process.)
A: right now, I'm still curating. I'm going through an interesting process of curation which allows me to see all the work from a birds eye perspective and think about sequencing and the desired effect. also writing alongside it and reading other books to help me think about design, etc. it'll be another couple weeks (or maybe more lol) before I'm done with it all but I'm documenting the process and will have something to share with everyone soon. there are travels happening around the process which is adding more perspectives and content for the work so I'm trying to wrap it up before any major trips come up.
