1993-2001 | Gallery B – Inye Wokoma • Artist

Early Explorations | Cultural Documentary Vol. 1

“Dead Prez:RB&G:Occupation” | 2001

During the 1990s Atlanta’s Black music scene was exploding. As I ventured out to explore the world with my camera, I was enthralled by the raw energy of my peers creating the culture on the streets, in private studios, and in the clubs while more established artists

pushed to elevate it to new heights. As a film student at Clark Atlanta University, an aspiring photographer, and a Black youth myself, I not only documented the scene, I was frequently called to participate in creating the face of the culture. There were definitely times when my journalistic aspirations had blurred lines with my personal identity. I often showed up as an observer and a participant in the culture.

My medium of choice was black and white film, particularly Ilford’s FP4, HP5 and XP2. I loved the unique textural qualities of each of these films. The echo of the great jazz photography of the 1960s was a huge influence, I hope to create images that carried as much emotional energy and aesthetic impact. I hoped to capture the evolution of Atlanta’s Black music culture in ways that would continue to resonate over time.