By African Leadership Academy
Curated by Towela "Kams" Tembo
Elements (2021) by Gayle Trisha WereAfrican Leadership Academy
Gayle Were is a Kenyan photographer who uses her work as a way in which to capture experiences of womenhood. As a Kenyan photograher, she also aims to showcase the beauty of her rich heritage and culture with the world at large.
Elements (2021) by Gayle Trisha WereAfrican Leadership Academy
The Elements series
Gayle's describes her genre as a celebration of black womanhood as she draws inspiration from the women around her. This project is an exploration of the elements through the eyes of a black woman.
Elements (2021) by Gayle Trisha WereAfrican Leadership Academy
An all female creative team
Were worked with a number of women to produce this series. Sally Istyleke styled the women who Were photographed and Tasha Matu, who in addition to modeling, worked as a makeup artist on set. The set itself was designed by Jerusha.
Elements (2021) by Gayle Trisha WereAfrican Leadership Academy
Fire
Stephaniah Lago fiercely embodies the element of fire in this image.
Elements (2021) by Gayle Trisha WereAfrican Leadership Academy
Air
Gayle enjoys merging storytelling and event/fashion photography in order to capture the fullness of experiences for her audience. In this image Blen Mulugeta breathlessly encapsulates the element of air.
Elements (2021) by Gayle Trisha WereAfrican Leadership Academy
Water
At the same time, Were sees her work as a platform she can use to uplift marginalised groups such as the LGBTQIA+ community. Her passion for women's and LGBTQIA+ rights is a strong focus of her work.
In this image Tasha Matu effortlessly represents the element of water.
Elements (2021) by Gayle Trisha WereAfrican Leadership Academy
Earth
For Were, shifting the perspective of her home country, the LGBTQIA+ community and women remains the essence of her purpose as a visual artist and activist.
In this work, Lizzy Nyajuok boldly takes on the essence of Earth itself.
