Tears of Strength
Photographer: Ade Adetona
1. What significant life experiences or events have influenced and shaped your artistic vision?
One of the most significant life experiences that shaped my creative vision was seeing the photos I took on my mobile phone displayed on a big screen. My friends immediately remarked that I had a natural eye for photography. However, the real turning point came in December 2018 when I was offered a scholarship to study photography by my mentor, Dan Blake, the Director of the London College of Style. This opportunity gave me the confidence to fully embark on my creative journey.
2. Collaboration often sparks fresh creativity. Can you share an example of a collaboration that led to an unexpected and exciting artistic outcome?
My first professional shoot was an unforgettable experience. Nurto, a friend, walked into my room with an orange flower attached to two orange metal strips and asked, “Do you fancy a shoot?” I jumped at the chance, and we ended up creating the Afropunk editorial, which made the front cover of *Proficient*. This shoot not only solidified my passion but also marked the beginning of my career in fashion photography.
3. Walk us through a specific project that challenged your creative boundaries. How did you approach it, and what did you learn from the experience?
A particularly challenging yet rewarding project was my first luxury watch brand campaign for DB Stockholm. I had never worked with a luxury brand or done watch photography before, so I immersed myself in research. I studied campaigns from brands like Gucci, Rolex, Cartier, and Raymond Weil, analysing their aesthetics and how they conveyed the brand's ethos. My biggest challenge on one of the shoots for DB Stockholm was in Marbella, Spain. My model, Alfredo Panal, had recently undergone a hip operation and could barely walk. Despite this, we made it to the beach and managed to create two stunning images that the DB Stockholm team loved. The steep learning curve paid off, and the campaign was a success. It taught me the value of persistence, determination, and due diligence, reinforcing my belief that I could achieve even greater success with the right mindset.
4. In the ever-evolving art world, what do you believe sets your work apart and makes it unique or groundbreaking?
My work is a reflection of my dynamic and vibrant personality, and over time, I have evolved my own unique style. I draw inspiration from the likes of David LaChapelle, Ian Rankin, Steven Meisel, and Juergen Teller, among others. I have a deep appreciation for vibrant colours and thought-provoking images—those that you can revisit time and time again and still find intriguing.
5. As you reflect on your journey, are there any specific goals or milestones you’ve set for your artistic career in the coming years?
Looking ahead, I feel that I have only scratched the surface of my creative potential. I am still working on the DB Stockholm luxury watch brand and am set to shoot for several designers at the upcoming London Fashion Week. My long-term goal is to make a significant impact as a photographer across different genres, with fashion being just one avenue of my creative expression. My goal is to work for my favorite brands, including D&G, Emilio Zegna, Versace, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Paul Smith, Oswald Boateng, Burberry, Tom Ford, and Roberto Cavalli. The sky is not the limit to my ambitions.
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We love masks. They are more than just accessories; they are powerful symbols of identity and expression. When @black_nurto sent me a photo of herself modeling a mesmerizing mask at a London fashion event this summer, my immediate reaction was a resounding "WOW." That image sparked something deep within me, unleashing a wave of creativity that made me certain we were about to create something truly spectacular—something that would push the boundaries of fashion.
Masks have always been integral to human art and expression, crossing cultural divides and transcending time. In African culture especially, masks hold a unique significance. They capture the essence of what it means to be human, transforming everyday life into an art form that tells stories rich with imagination and allegory. Paradoxically, we all wear different social masks every day, navigating the roles we play in society.
The title for this exhilarating fashion editorial was born from the mind of another incredible woman, my best friend and fashion visionary, @jaderoxstyle. After days of contemplating a title worthy of such a bold expression of fashion, I showed her the images. Without missing a beat, she said, "Tears of Strength."
In that moment, I knew we had it. My response? "Epic."
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Creative Director/Photographer/Retoucher: Ade Adetona
Wardrobe Stylist/Model/Fashion Designer/Makeup Artist/Hair Stylist: Nurto Omar
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Mask with Chains by @gallery_58
Yellow Catsuit from @amazon
Boots by @newlook
Hair by @black_nurto
Makeup by @black_nurto