#BAREwithMe No10 w/ Muka
Reminder : Sometimes it’s ok for things to remain simple. Everything we do doesn’t require such extensive planning, there’s an art to spontaneity.
I saw a photographer on Twitter mention that she gets so caught up in shooting gigs and doing work for others, that she never gets the chance to shoot for herself anymore. I’ve also heard this sentiment mimicked from a few peers as the year came to an end and it got me thinking about how much control we give up, not only as humans residing in America but also as creators within an unimaginative system. The ability to create isn’t one to take for granted, though most people have the capability to learn an artful craft and create, the main part of what separates creators from others is that we actually utilize the act of creating. I think sometimes we forget that in the midst of grinding to pay bills, that we too have the option to create for ourselves.
Within this past year, I realized that creating for myself is the part that keeps me energized through all the work. That’s why projects like BARE & #SummerIs4Lovers are so important to me, I took a concept that reflected my current state in life and actualized it through imagery, for no one else but myself. And it has been the response from others that showed me how important these personal projects are as an artist. It’s how we vent to a world that has gotten used to us speaking through our productivity.
Reminder : Do more of what you love, things that make your soul flutter, at least every now and then.
This year, this new decade, I’m in a much more clear space and direct with my intentions towards my work and still speaking but in my own way of expression. Growing in and into your art is so important on your journey, it’s what separates the good from those that are great. I mentioned this on Instagram before Christmas but Cam Davis (@camsjournal) is an integral part of me creating this BARE Collection and delivering it to the world the way that I have. Over the past couple of years, I began to not only doubt myself in relation to the people around me but also in my art and how it’s perceived in the world. Our visions aren’t meant for others to understand, sometimes it’s for us to get and deliver to the world in order to introduce a perspective that others may not have. In some earlier stages of my journey, I gave others too much power over the vision given to me and unfortunately, lost a bit of confidence in the process.
BARE served not only as my renewal of consistency and a signature in my work but as I now see retrospectively, a renewal of affirmation that I am doing what I should be, creating art that is of value to me and as a result, touching others as well.
This set is funny to me because this is far from the first time that Muka (@mukac_) and I have stripped down to create something beautiful, nor is it a different style of imagery than we usually create. It is though, is a clear portrayal of the energy we both possess in our journey, our dedication to ourselves within our crafts. We both strongly believe in our own divinity as well as a sort of effortless way of floating through the world finding stimulation through art that tickles our spirit. It is this similarity that pushes us towards the pursuit of freedom, not saying that nudity is the only way to be free but naturally, the removing of restrictions would create that feeling.
Nudity is not something I shy away from, even in my own life; it’s actually something I strongly embrace. I have been to spa’s and bathhouses where nudity is the only acceptable way to be, I’ve also played sports and been in locker rooms where nudity is not only common but not even something that gets outward attention. I have taken nudes of my own more times than most would assume but it’s never to garner the attention of others, something that as a male, I hold privilege over. Women in society have always been exploited for their bodies and as of recent years, been used as instant virality in this present-day social media age. But does perspective matter, even when looking at the topic of nudity?
Clothing, to me, is a form of expression whether it be on or off the body. We often look at the Fashion industry to mean clothing but Fashion has a lot more to do with the manner in which a person does something than what specifically they put on or take off of their bodies, placing nudity squarely in the mix. With my art, nudity is focused upon in this light. I do not aim to exploit or sexualize the female body, I more so aim to praise the female form through the expression fo fashion. And with the landscape being what it is, I can completely understand why I would get grouped in with others that take photos of women without clothes. But I believe that how you say something is more important than what is said and how you live is more important than things you have said. Consistency of character is revealed in how we are to others and as artists, how we make people feel.
My work, as can be seen through BARE if you read between the lines, is a portrayal of Black women being vulnerable and sensual because the world has removed that ability from them. But in my dealings with Black women, they are warmer, more empathetic, more sensitive, more vulnerable and the reward you get from allowing them the space to do so is so rewarding. There is nobody in my experience that will go to bat harder for you than a Black woman, nobody that will love and care for you deeper. So to those that see the surface level of my portrayals, I hope you can look a little deeper, beyond the fashion of it all and into the depths of the vulnerable women in the images.
Allow Black women to be soft without being sexual, to be free without the judgment of why, to be vulnerable without exploitation.
Muse : Muka Chisaka
@mukac_ on Instagram . Become a patron of hers at Patreon
Shot by me for The BARE Collection
View the ENTIRE set at the link below