Perspective by: BiP
Event Photography by: @han.oncam
[Brooklyn,NY]
I gently take off my durag as my Lyft turns down Meadow St. Once my driver shifts the car into park, I step out carrying my cameras, my BetterinPrint Journal, and a confident smirk on my face. I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
While I’m waiting for a response to my “Here!” text, I stare at my reflection against a glass door.
“han?” A voice calls to my right. I turn and see a brown face popping out the side of the building.
“Hey Dez!” I respond, my smirk turning into a bright smile.
Dez and I catch up briefly about how the past couple days in Brooklyn have been while I set my equipment down. I’m introduced to Sean who’s busy hanging picture frames of featured photographers. Piece by piece, the empty venue becomes the first ever FORMAT Exhibition.
Since the two are still setting up, I take time to absorb the space. It’s shaped like an open box thats been set on its side. But the open floor plan is perfect. It lets in the early June breeze and sounds of the city. I take a look around then slowly walk past each piece.
If I could only use one word to describe the art in the FORMAT Exhibition, I’d use the word Black. Black like eye catching. Black like cool. Black like Brooklyn. Black like talented. Black like creating a moment. Like intentional. Black like making the everyday seem incredible, and the extraordinary seem monumental. The works of each of the 12 artists have enough presence to stand on view individually, but compliment each other well side by side.
“If I could only use one word to describe the FORMAT Exhibition, I’d use the word Black.”
-han
I’m pulled to Reneé Simone’s photography first because of how at ease her subjects are. They all look at home. Whether the moment is staged or candid, everyone appears completely relaxed and trusting of the person holding the camera.
On the same wall, are the prints Kumo Shai has on display. For me, it’s the angles of the photos. The perspectives make it hard to believe a camera, let alone a person, captured such intimate moments. Like the subtle glance from a woman sitting in her barber’s chair.
And then there’s Salim Garcia who’s use of timing and light create this divine moment of silence in his images. Garcia’s spotlight on Kasante wearing angel wings especially pulls me into a moment of soft contemplation.
By now David, the third member of the FORMAT team, has arrived with more set up equipment and a laptop. Even though the show will begin in less than two hours, Dez, Sean, and David all maintain a light and playful energy. They each give one another a hard time and rope me into the teasing too. I don’t miss a beat on returning the playful shots. Finally, when everything is in place, the three of them head home to change clothes.
Once Dez returns, I sit down with him for a conversation. We are just a few steps away from the space and take a seat underneath a tree. The Monad Agency brand owner is as calm as ever, exuding a definite leader’s disposition. I open by stating the date and my first question.
han: What is Monad Agency and why did you create it?
“Monad Agency is a company founded to uplift artist of all mediums. Initially, it started to support musicians and help them find new opportunities for concerts and things. But shortly after COVID, Monad became more focused on fashion because, even though shows had shut down, fashion brands were still creating content. I found that was the next best opportunity to plug-in artists.” As Dez explains, he keeps his legs crossed and extended in front of him. “So we continue to support different artist by connecting them to businesses, each other, or just offering advice when it comes to business relations. And now, we are able to use this gallery to do that in a real life ‘format’ bringing digital to life too.”
han: Why did you decide to name the exhibition “FORMAT?”
“Mmm.” He pauses. “I decided on FORMAT because photography exists in so many different formats. For me, the most appealing is film. But even within film you have medium format, full format, polaroid and so on. So I wanted the name to represent the idea that whatever medium an artist chooses to work with, their work is still valuable. And of course every photographer has their own specific eye. But the medium you choose plays a major part in the storytelling component of a shot.”
“…whatever medium an artist chooses to work with, their work is still valuable.”
-Dez
han: What is gallery curation 'Betterin'?
After our conversation, I sit on the ledge of where the space opens and let my feet dangle underneath me. At about 4:20PM people begin to arrive. Couples and small groups of guests walk around, taking their time with the art. Their presence makes me feel like I’m looking inside of a mini museum.
I shake hands with Gabrieletrata who’s mixing infront of a backdrop of looping VHS footage. Amongst the people arriving early is featured artist Kumo Shai. He walks in briefly and lets me know he stopped in and see his work first, but will come back later for the event. He grabs a few digitals of his photography on the wall and I make note of the little ways artists can show deep care for what they showcase.
By 6:00PM the space is filling up with more and more people. Those who have already seen the art congregate just outside the space. Now that the event has picked up, I pull Sean aside to get his perspective. His locs are ash brown and compliment his light, youthful personality.
han: What does FORMAT mean to you?
“When I think of FORMAT, I think of different files for real. Like .ai, .psd, .jpeg, and .mp4. The name is pretty chic.”
han: What's been your favorite part of prepping for the event?
“My favorite part has been the anticipation and getting the word out. We originally only had 85 spots but as the event grew we had to do a lot of pivoting and quick thinking.”
han: What is event promotion 'Betterin'?
As I’m moving in and out of the space (and at this point of the evening, having to side-step guests) certain photos keep pulling my gaze. Like Cameron Reed’s fisheye shot of Jayla Boxie sitting inside the cockpit of a plane. His photos create their own dimension. And then there’s Sarah Feingold set to the immediate right. Not only do the photographs scream “good film.” The dewy finish over the neutral tones produce an elevated calming effect, further emphasized by Symone Wynter’s soft and playful expressions. Looking at the photos make me feel like I’m admiring at a flower.
Eventually, I end up shoulder to shoulder with Speezy who is viewing their original set of three images. I ask what’s being depicted in the photos. The artist tells me the muse is modeling looks created by designer DAVEED BAPTISTE and that the shoot itself was an incredible moment. The emotions of that moment transfer through the work and I think about how many beautiful brown faces have been immortalized through the use of film and harsh flash.
By 8:00PM the venue is officially congested with artists and those viewing their art. Still the energy is supportive and celebratory. David leaves to start sound check for the after party which is being held up the street. He’s juggling a lot at once, but I still take the moment of transition to tag along and ask him questions.
han: What has FORMAT taught you?
“Its taught me a lot about pressure. I was talking to Dez about this earlier, but I want to get used to being in uncomfortable spaces. The pressure of putting this on pushed me to the next level. I’ve learned a lot from my career and now I think its time for me to use the skills towards something I’m passionate about. I did photography in high school and college and I’m also into music and production.” As David is responding, people walk by to shake his hand or ask questions. Still he multitasks and continues. “It feels like the best of both worlds with me being able to leverage my connections as a producer and Dez being able to leverage his connections with photographers. This really feels like the genesis of something huge and Dez and I are already talking about what’s next.”
“This really feels like the genesis of something huge.”
-David Garcia
han: What's the best mindset to bring when you're working with a team?
“Damn.” David’s phone starts ringing, but he doesn’t pick up. “I’d say confidence. Having confidence in yourself and the people you’re working with. I think that synergy is really important.”
han: What is event promotion 'Betterin'?
After our conversation I head back in and use my Sony Hi8 to record b-roll of the event. Some people try their best to act nonchalant when I point my lens at them, while others wave or throw up peace signs. I stop moving through the crowd when I make it to the only black and white photos in the gallery. They belong to Nöel Austin who is standing alone in front of his work. He’s looking at the shots like he’s deep in thought and wearing a black zip-up jacket with a white button up underneath.
“Is this you?” I ask, gesturing to the wall.
“Yeah, for sure.” he responds. “I’m the artists.” Now we are both looking at the trio of framed photos simultaneously. Despite the photos’ high contrast, the level of detail in the shots is so sharp they appear textured. Aliyah’s Interlude, Rivers, and Brianna Ferreria exist on the wall as subtle statements of our culture today through Noel’s perspective.
han: Would you say your work is BetterinPrint? I suggest cheekily even though he doesn’t think twice about the question.
“Oh for sure.” He says glancing at me, then back at his photographs. “–I’m so used to seeing my work on my phone. Seeing it in real life is crazy.”
han: And why do you shoot, why photography?
“Honestly…” he responds with a pause and an honest shrug. “I just like cool shit.”
I laugh in agreement. “Yo, literally. I love that.”
“Honestly, I just like cool shit.”
-Nöel Austin
I turn around and see Ricky Shoebio, more popularly referred to as “SpaceCampFresh,” standing infront of his work. He’s surrounded by his community and wearing a calm smile. I peep that the royal purple of his fitted hat and button up shirt coordinate well with the vibrant colors in his photos. In his first frame is Lil Yatchy performing at this year’s Dreamvillefest. In the next is a woman sporting a camo fur beneath a ChinaTown traffic light. And in the third frame is a small girl inside of a crimson, orange car that’s over flowing with flowers. Each portrait is clean and intentional.
But SpaceCamp isn’t the only artist at FORMAT showcasing photos of music artists. Kabiruloya’s shot of Oshun at the Nostrand Ave A/C train stop lives between two of his other compelling photographs. I love how Kabir’s wide shot of the two musicians transport me to the opposite side of the train tracks. There, I lock eyes with two West African priestesses.
Isabel Camille’s photoset is entitled Rebirth and the pieces remind me of paintings. Camille places their muse Jasper front and center against the sky’s vibrant reddish-pinks and purples. From there, the colors seamlessly melt into the ocean. The series gives off a biblical feel and remind me we were made in the image of something greater than ourselves.
In contrast, Sepand combines grain and dim natural lighting to depict NYC on a rainy day–not unlike the weather we experienced here yesterday evening. My favorite image is of an older man tending to his fruit stand. The bright colors of the man’s orange beard, his bananas , and the neon signage of a store behind him pop out at me from the image’s murky green tones.
When I step away from people watching, I’m still in document mode. I realize having ‘a moment away from the moment’ would be beautiful.
Just then Kumo and I are passing each other in the crowd. I have to almost shout even though he’s right next to me. I ask if he’s ready for his BetterinPrint conversation.
“Sure,” he responds. “Where at?”
“Lets move outside.” I say while motioning towards the front staircase. “It’s too loud in here.”
“Alright bet.” he responds, following my lead. I walk past the front steps and away from the crowd of people on the street.
I finally stop when we are catty corner from the venue. There’s barely any light left outside, turning everything dark blue besides the neon green streetlight. We can still hear the sounds of conversation and music playing at the venue, but it’s all background noise now.
“Out of the pieces you have on display, the shot of the woman at the barbershop speaks to me the most. Especially because it looks like you’d have to be invisible to get that shot.” I begin.
han: Has your perspective been a natural part of your process, or is it something you learned along the way?
han: You called being able to get that shot a "feeling." Where do you feel that feeling in your body?
“It’s about being receptive to what’s happening.”
-Kumo Shai
After Kumo and I wrap our conversation, which eventually loops in a couple of other creative minds, I head back into the gallery. Its 30 minutes past 9 and Dez, David, and Sean announce it’s time to move the event to the afterparty down the street. After everyone empties out, a couple of artists stay behind to get photos in front of their work with friends and family.
***
I have to say, the event was great. As was the turnout, the music, and the art. It was one of those nights that make Brooklyn seem like the only place to be on earth. But what made FORMAT truly special, was being able to watch the featured photo artists have a moment of ‘show and tell’ with their work. In real time.
Thank you for reading and of course to Monad Agency for trusting me with this piece.
–han of BetterinPrint.
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