Being young and in a big city, chasing big dreams, can be daunting. Along with their ambitions, creatives around the world seem to be in search of community more than ever these days. They say it takes a village, but what do you do in the capital where the pace is fast, the scenes are saturated, and space feels scarce?
When it comes to Yas Avdji, London-based photographer and curator of A Voice Amplified: Love Chuck, her answer is simple “don’t wait just do”.
With the desire to foster connection not only in her city but internationally, Avdji created A Voice Amplified as a part of Converse’s Love Chuck series in which they have tapped the shoulders of the coolest creatives working around the world and encouraged them to make for the sake of making.The one night only show took place last Saturday bringing together photographers from London, Paris and Berlin with creative direction by Avdji and Royeeth. The imagery showcased rising talent in their respective cities. From London, Yas Avdji turned her eye to talent such as musician Amie Blu, in Berlin, Domi Wolf used his lens to spotlight creatives such as Toni Agostinelli and out in Paris, Alpha-Medy Kaba acted as France’s touch stone. Together, the images created a wider portrait of Europe’s emerging artists. Accompanying the photography is a directory of all those featured. A physical preservation of who, what and where you should be looking right now.
With much of the work highlighting the music scene’s up and comers, it was only natural for the night to be soundtracked by some of them. Asking Avdji about the musical through line of the works and evening, she explained that, “So much of culture is influenced by music, and my interest is in culture. You know, what’s happening at the time, which is also a political and a social thing. It goes a little bit deeper for me”. Avdji and music are like a shoe that fits, which made Converse a great helping hand as they’ve been rooted in the music scene for years. Whilst the show was sponsored by them, it was entirely fuelled by the beating heart of these cities – its real life communities. With grassroots organisation Mana Collective curating a stellar DJ lineup, this was no ordinary private view. CocoButta2.0, Chinua and Dams took to the decks as Avdji explained that “my intention was to display the work, of course, but also to make it a party”. These days, the noise buzzing around the world is loud, constant and anything but musical. A Voice Amplified, even if only for one night, managed to cut through and changed the tune.
Over the years, negroni’s have gone from a stuffy old man order to the artist’s drink of choice. With an unlimited negroni bar provided by Polarity Gin, it was also everyone’s choice that night. Red stained lips acted as wrist bands, letting you know who had been in the room that night.
Through a perfect blend of drinks, music and art, something special happened. I’ve grown up in London’s creative scene and have been to more shows, launches, and “art parties” than I can count at this point. None have been quite like this. Beneath the cocktails and the coolness, something more meaningful took hold. In the midst of a cultural moment dominated by individual “personal brands” and hyper-individualism, A Voice Amplified made a case for collectivity. “ We’re in desperate need for these in real life things. These more authentic initiations as well, like getting our mutuals in person and coming together over work, but really just to actually be around each other. With each other.” Avdji’s main role may have been curation of the art, but it seems that she was intending to curate an environment more so. The Koppel Collective, as a venue, played a huge role in setting that tone. An arts charity, gallery and hub dedicated to supporting rising talent.
In creative circles, everybody wants to be the next big thing. A household name. The “somebody” whose face is splashed over billboards and name is in history books. Yet, there is a quiet power in recognising the moment before the moment. In catching somebody before they hit it big. However, in order to do that we must learn to give each other the time of day. A Voice Amplified acted as a reminder that it’s not always about who’s already made it, but about who is making it right now.
Featured Talents: Aaron Baily, Ayesha Kazim, Yeliz Zaifoglu, David Onibon, Ami Blu, Oma / CocoButta2.0 , Maya Wasserman, Hornet, Domi Wolf, Toni Agost, Nina
CREDITS:
Production + Direction + Photography + Editing @yas.avdji
BTS Photo and Video @kokofigura @4yel_ @gwenyunyi @katiefoknprice
Creative direction @yas.avdji @royeeth
Lighting Director @alexradota
Lighting Assist @waveportfolio
Set + Props JM2Studios @jm2studio_
MUA @nataliacondeartistry
MUA Assistants @hopegmua @whois10na
Movement Direction @jjsaword
1st Stylist @larasandres
2nd Stylist @rubyy.diamond
Assistant Stylist @7liliaa
Sticker Assets @alexdawsonbanson
On-set Producer @davegup
publication designer + producer @pedroresendez @Calacapress