Andrew Dosunmu’s career started in the fashion industry. He went from being a couture design assistant at Yves Saint Laurent in Paris to the visual world of photography, filmmaking and directing. He has been a contributing photographer to magazines like Clam, Fader, Vibe, I-D, Interview Magazine, Arise, Ebony, Paper Magazine, Vogue Homme – France and L’Homme Vogue – Italy. Andrew’s love for creating images beyond photography has propelled his talents for filmmaking and directing to the limelight and we look forward to the release of his movie Restless City – a love story set amongst a community of African immigrants in New York. He made two award winning documentaries titled ‘The African Game’ and ‘Hot Irons’; has worked extensively in the music industry as creative director for album covers (Erykah Badu and Public Enemy), and music videos (Common, Maxwell, Talib Kweli, Wyclef Jean etc).
Andrew Dosunmu is gifted with an eye to create images that always tell an emotional deeper story beyond the surface and takes you on a journey with his subjects, to a place where what matters is the very essence of who or what the subject is, captured through the eyes of the great photographer, filmmaker and director……
Andrew Dosuunmu shares his love for Maki Oh and Xuly Bet and making room for the next generation with SHF…..
From the atelier of Yves Saint Laurent to photography, what inspired the transition from fashion design to photography?
I realized at that point that what it was that drew me to fashion were the images. Photographs, such as those by Walker Evans of Cuba were so stylized and fashionable that it was hard for me to differentiate and I found that the photographs themselves were far more intriguing to me than just fashion.
Do you have any formal training in photography?
I am a completely self-taught film maker and photographer and I actually prefer it that way. There are things I have learned on my own that have contributed immensely to my unique vision and if I had been instructed by another, I may not be where I am today.
Does your background in fashion affect your relationship with clothes or models as the subject of your work?
Good question. When I became a photographer coming from working in the fashion industry, I intentionally did not want to photograph fashion. However, my background in fashion makes me appreciate the work as inherently stylish so I try not to interfere with choosing models or what clothes they are wearing because my objective is to make beautiful photographs of whatever is in front of me.
Photographer, Filmmaker, Director? How do you merge all 3 aspects of your work together to create a seamless whole and maintain a balance?
All of these titles revolve around making images. The only difference is that filmmaking is a collaborative effort of working with many people and photography is more individual. They are all interrelated and photography is the scrapbook for my filmmaking.
If you had to choose one of the three, what would it be?
Creating images…
Please tell us about The African Game – your documentary. What are you working on currently filmwise?
The African Game is a documentary that celebrates the joy and hope that exists in Africa through soccer. Soccer serves as the platform in which I can express the beauties of this continent.
I am currently working on the post-production of my feature film: Restless City – a story about the consequences of displacement of an African immigrant in a foreign city.
Please share your most recent fashion editorial with SHF. What was the storyline? What was your inspiration?
My most recent fashion editorial was documenting Afro-Colombian culture in Latin America [Colombia, South America]. The people themselves are always my inspiration.
How important is the team of stylist, make up artist, hair stylist and model in the making of a fashion editorial? Is it the photographer’s ultimate vision?
It is important to collaborate with creative fellows and together, create a unique vision.
SHF commends fashion photographers as the artist that ultimately gives life to the finished work of a designer/stylist.
As a photographer and not a fashion photographer, my objective is to make people admire themselves. I try to photograph people the way they want to be represented.
What inspires you as a photographer/filmmaker/director?
For me, all of these titles apply to the same thing. What inspires me as a photographer and filmmaker is to give voice to the people unheard and create an emotional work that represents them truthfully.
How is it translated into your work?
The work speaks for itself. My photographs are a visual experience and through them, they awake a sense that triggers an emotion deep inside the viewer.
As an African working on the international scene, what role if any does your background and culture have on your work?
It defines me.
What is your opinion on the African Fashion Industry? Nigerian Fashion Industry?
I am a big fan of Xuly-Bet from Mali and also a young Nigerian designer called Maki Osakwe.
Who is your favourite designer (in diaspora or within africa)? Why?
Xuly-Bet is my favourite because his work provokes deeper meaning to me.
What about photographers in Nigeria? Africa? Any favourites?
My favourite photographers include Seydou Keita, Peter Obe and Ojeikere.
SHF is exploring the emergence of the next generation of fashion industry professionals in Africa this month. Do you think there is room for them in the industry bearing in mind that the older generation are still not ‘there’ yet?
Yes, very much. The younger ones are learning from the mistakes of the older ones and I believe they are more worldly in their influences.
Still on the next generation – are they being paid enough attention in your opinion? Mentoring? Training?
No. We are in a society that really does not pay much attention to the younger generation and does not give them much respect, consideration or mentoring. Unless you want to be a lawyer or doctor.
What role does Andrew Dosunmu play in ensuring that the next generation rises up and makes an impact in the industry? Interns? Mentoring, Training etc
I am always available and I am a big believer in strengthening the next generation with the tools necessary to continue telling the story that I have been telling. I find it very important to pass on the baton in order to finish and win the race!
I am currently working with an intern named Adriana Cristina Sancez who is beautiful, wonderful and is actually answering all these questions with me at the moment
Any plans of doing something similar in Nigeria?
Yes. I am hoping to build a village in the spirit of the Sundance Film Lab where one gets together creative youths and mentors and supports them in the industry.
When next are you in Nigeria?
Probably before this gets published.
Where is your favourite spot in Nigeria?
Ah… I love being in Epetedo Lagos Island in the Dosunmu Ajiwe compound, listening to some Lefty music.
SHF credits www.andrewdosunmu.com
Thank you, Andrew, for inspiring me. I loved your work before, but this interview has left me further inspired. Hope to learn from you/mentor with you someday as well.