Uncovering the Self with Damola Akintunde
A Q&A with Damola Akintunde
Written By: Ashley Johnson
CRWNMUSE often spotlights those who turn the camera outward on their subjects. Damola Akintunde considers herself her biggest muse. We had a chat with Damola about the vulnerabilities of accessing and mining the self.
Ashley Johnson: So tell us about you! Where are you from and a little about your work!
Damola Akintunde: My name is Damola Akintunde and I’m a Nigerian American photographer based in Durham, North Carolina. My work utilizes visuals as a form of expression of the self. I lend myself as a tool for others to align their self-perception with their physical presentation, turning them into art.
Damola Akintunde | CRWNMUSE
AJ: Can you talk about the major theme themes, vulnerabilities or processes within your work? Why are you drawn to creating under said theme(s)/processes and who does your work speak to?
DA: Most of my work is created with the question of how we individually show up when we are not restricted. I’m also very attracted to studying how people, primarily other Black women, creatively cultivate spaces that allow for self preservation. My desire to explore these themes is driven by creating work that serves as a mirror for others to think introspectively about their own lives.
AJ: From your perspective, what is the difference between a selfie and a self-portrait? Do the two worlds meet?
DA: I definitely know selfies are seen as being surface level and not super thought out but personally I see them in the same world of self-portraiture. Both are tools used to take ownership of how we want to be presented in the world. The level of intentionality may change but I value both just the same.
AJ: Can you talk about why creating images of yourself is essential to your photographic practice?
DA: Self portraiture has been an essential part of my photographic practice primarily as a way to explore concepts of identity. It’s been a way for me to connect my internal understanding of who I am with my physical presentation, especially after spending most of my childhood and teenage years feeling detached from my body. Photography has become a tool for me to reclaim my narratives.
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AJ: How do you know if you've achieved recapturing yourself?
DA: When I'm able to look at a portrait I've created and view the inner workings of my mind presented in the image, I know I've recaptured myself. Being able to present the strength and softness that exists in my mind is always my goal.
The CRWNMUSE Program spotlights the exceptional taste, art and magic of creators from everywhere. Interested in being a CRWNMUSE? Submit a body of work or a mix of your work here!
