Adikinyi Kondo
Adikinyi Kondo is a multifaceted artist. As a self-taught digital photographer, writer, graphic designer, and music producer, Adikinyi is interested in exploring her lived experiences to connect with her audience. Backed with a sociology degree from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Adikinyi leafs through books and research papers as source materials for her photography. She recently finished a music production course with Santuri Electronic Music Academy (SEMA).
In our interview, she goes into detail about her journey into digital photography and her creative process.
The language of self-portraiture
Which one of these art forms did you first engage in?
Music is what I started exploring as a ten-year-old, learning how to play the guitar and dreaming of becoming a music producer. I later got into photography seven years ago, then into graphic design, and there was always a story to tell in both mediums, so I consequently roped writing in. I am only kicking off my music career professionally by seeing ways to apply what I have learned at SEMA. Juggling all four disciplines has been exhausting.
Invite us into your world of photography. What were the first pictures that you took?
They were of my relatives on our visit to the national park in 2013, and it was the first time that someone encouraged me to be a professional photographer. I'd also photograph my friends at concerts, oblivious to the possibility of it becoming a career. I've since learned a lot of photography tips from other photographers by asking questions, as well as knowledge of photo editing and graphic design from YouTube. I've primarily spent the last few years learning how to shoot film photography.
What themes does your work carry, and what informs them?
My work is drawn from lived experiences and research about them in books and papers. We will connect with others who have gone through similar experiences if we talk about them. When it comes to books, I dip into all sorts of literature and research papers by social scientists to learn something new and see how that exists in my community. I enjoy them because they are nerve-wracking and relatable.
How else do you create meaning in your work?
I use colour to express a range of meanings in my work. I use it to bring out more of what I want to say in the photo, and at other times, I tone it down to add more focus to other elements in the photo when using colour distracts from some of the messages the art wants to convey. I followed suit, and it brought a whole different perspective as to how an image is portrayed because I had to think about light, shadows, and highlights. Colour elicits emotions, and monochrome has its own way to do the same.
How do you title your photography work?
I told a friend the other day that I would rather not explain my creative process because half the time it is unpleasant. The titles of my work reveal my vulnerabilities more than the art pieces themselves since they are open for interpretation, but by including a title and description, you will understand what it means to me.
My titling process mainly involves thinking about what birthed the idea. For example, a project called "Cover Thine" was about how I was openly interpreting everything that the world was giving me as good even when it wasn't, and that threw me off balance for months. It was about me finding balance within myself in a crazy world.
What are your favourite mediums, and why?
I have an interest in all mediums and would love to know how to paint. I am always intrigued by how people are able to bring out different emotions and thoughts using any medium. As a multidisciplinary artist, my favourite medium to explore is photography. I have so much to learn about it, even though I have practiced it for a long time.
Do you have a network of artists that you rely on, and how do you support one another?
Yes. I have artists nearby and those who are far away with whom I frequently meet to discuss our artistic influences and obstacles, offer empathy or support, delight in each other's work, share, and buy pieces from.
Which artists’ works have you been enjoying and why?
I enjoy art and music by Ojwook, music producer Sharon Onyango-Obbo, and Allan Kioko’s artworks; music by Dipa Konnection; and poetry by Audre Lorde.
In terms of 5Lenses, what did you take away from it?
Working on five themes with artists from other mediums challenged me as an artist. I am used to creating from lived experiences, but the project required that I explore themes from the four other artists, so I had to reflect on my life to connect with the themes. The time needed for me to produce work was not the same as the time I would normally give myself. There was a lot of personal and artistic growth throughout this journey. It has definitely expanded my vision of what art can be. Also, when the project found me, I was writing more than I was taking pictures. It took me back to creating images.
How do you determine what to charge for your art?
This was a conversation that I had to have with myself, but I found out that charging per hour from the point of conceptualization to the finalization of the project works for me.
How do you generate an income through your art?
It is difficult because I have to be the marketer, salesperson, artist, project manager, and personal assistant, and sometimes art is not sustaining me. So, I also write research papers for people to supplement my income.
How do you see your art market going in the next few years?
I am optimistic about the future of my career. I see myself making more music, writing more, and taking more photos.
Describe what your dream project looks like.
It is an audiovisual project in which one concept evolves into another, leaving the audience to wonder whether it began as a video or audio. It is a body of work that takes time to deliver and hopes to provide the audience with the same transformative experience that it did for me when I created it.
What are the most and least favourite parts of professional art?
Art has taken me to new places, where I've met new people and connected with people from various backgrounds. I have been able to access creative parts of myself that have helped to keep me grounded. The least favourite part is that art has not been able to sustain me as an artist. I wish that people would deviate from the kind of art they know and instead become more open to exploring diverse music genres, art mediums, or photos. It is also challenging to stay positive in the wake of things that happen in the world and to keep creating despite facing self-doubt.
How has your work deepened a sense of personal growth or awareness?
Art comes with a lot of personal growth. I try to ask questions about my purpose and why my art matters when creating. It has been therapeutic and kept me open-minded and expressive. Art has opened unimaginable doors for me and led me to community spaces with the intention of wanting to make a positive impact.
How would you define success for you as an artist?
It is being able to have an intention for my work and have conversations about it with people who connect with it. It is being able to live off my career.
What advice would you give an early-career photographer?
Shoot every day. Know your marketing strategies. If you can get a team behind you, do it. Never lose the love of what you do. Do it even when it is boring.
