A kaleidoscope is an exciting work of art. A merging of many different colours. Their interactions and intertwining tell a complete story. In the same way, the creative’s journey is coloured with different emotions and experiences that shape and form them. This is the story we wish to tell with this body of work—the story of the creative’s journey to finding themselves and becoming whole.

For this exhibition, I chose a spectrum of 9 colours and 1 multicoloured piece, for a total of 10 pieces (from red to purple). Each frame has a gradient that flows into the next- a perfect Kaleidoscope. Each piece would represent/describe me as the artist I have become today at every phase of my life’s journey. All bear a name/title with “K” as a constant. The idea is to show that there has been consistency at each phase. 

Yes, my personal story inspired this collection. I have always wanted to stand out. All my life, I have been a creative - I draw, paint, and photograph mind-blowing images. What to create and how to create things are the constant questions I ask myself. I always do things in the most unique ways, so intentionality is key to how I create. Each piece I create is an extension of my personal experiences and my journey through life. I love to see the world in colours - it is the foundation on which my art is built. I utilise bright, vibrant colours to depict the magic I see in nature and my immediate environment. I like to work on several projects concurrently, and I do not limit myself to one medium, concept, or style. Ideas change. Inspiration changes. Knowledge changes. I believe the further you explore, the better you are as an artist, so I like to pick up new ideas to create every time. More recently, I have been searching for more ways to create pieces that can inspire the younger generation and encourage them to create too. I see art as more than just beautiful images. It is a means to communicate and tell stories. Kaleidoscope is the collection that tells this story for me.

Visually, someone starting, like myself, roughly 6 years ago, will try a lot of things. Unsure, exploring, making mistakes, combining chaos with creativity- so many decisions born out of pure instincts. I call this the Red zone ("dediKation")- it's dangerous, but it also sets you up for greatness. You make the mistakes that make you in this phase, and if you're dedicated to the craft, to the process, to the journey- greatness awaits you. 

I have always believed in working with teams. As a creative, I believe the people around you matter as much as the work you put out, so I keep my opinions flexible and my mind open. I like to share and also listen to people. Especially now that I am a full-time photographer- every photographer understands the strength in working in teams. I prioritise the elements around me at every phase I find myself- hence why each of the Kaleidoscope pieces is created to show multiple elements rather than just an entity.

I am a product of Design. I have dabbled in Graphic, Web and Brand Design; in fact, I still do those sometimes. Being a designer means that I have to study the Psychology of Colours from time to time- what colour means what and what colour describes what emotion. This knowledge influences how I create my photographs. I don't just pick my colours; they have to mean something on the pieces they exist on. In Kaleidoscope, the creative starts in the Red zone (dediKated), fired up, unsure but ready to take on the world, and ends in the Multicoloured zone (struKture), where he/she is now a combination of so many experiences, events, and systems over time.

Yes, my approach to colours changes between projects. In advertising, every brand has a palette and secondary colours that complement those brand colours, so I make sure I work within those options. In my personal projects, the case is somewhat different. I communicate how I am feeling and the message I am trying to pass to my audience using the right colours that best describe these things. So, the decision on commercial work isn't solely mine, while for the personal projects, I get to explore based on my ideas.

Personally, it is Orange. The project is so dear to me because of the story behind it. I wrote about it in a book that I am currently working on, but I can share a bit of that story with you. In 2020, I had just started out, still learning the ropes and trying out personal projects to curate content for my portfolio. I had a shoot planned with Olubukola- a model who has become a good friend now.

Just the morning of the session, the makeup artist who had agreed to come called to cancel. 

When we got to the studio, we found ourselves scrambling for solutions. We searched for makeup products, adjusted plans, and worked with whatever resources we could find.

I quickly realised that if I wanted to build a career in photography, I would have to become comfortable wearing many hats. On some days, I would need to be the photographer, stylist, creative director, problem-solver, and producer all at once.

As I applied her makeup, adjusted the backdrops, selected accessories, and worked through poses, Olubukola remained remarkably calm. She was patient, supportive, and reassuring throughout. She never rushed me. She didn’t make my inexperience heavier than it already felt. She didn’t highlight the obvious gaps. Even though my naivety was loud in that room, she protected my confidence. She carried herself with humility and made space for me to grow into the moment.

That posture changed me. That event stayed with me. The photos became my most valued work.