Self-taught, David Uzochukwu (b. 1998, Austria) creates (self-)portraits that speak of both placelessness and belonging. His work sees bodies shifting through nature, performance, and digital reconfiguration. Uzochukwu’s photographs have been exhibited at Bozar, Photo Vogue Festival, and Unseen Amsterdam. He has collaborated with artists FKA twigs, Pharrell, and Iris Van Herpen, and received commissions by Dior and Hermès. Since 2019, he is a participant of CPH:DOX’s talent development program. British Journal of Photography named him One to Watch in 2020. He currently lives in Berlin, where he pursues his first degree in philosophy.
Topics Discussed In This Episode:
David’s development and obsession with photography Looking at other photographers work and being inspired Distraction and aesthetic within David’s work Emotions and the expression of an image David’s photography process Finding your signature approach Navigating your youth, and standing your ground Leaning into your intuition Organic transition within artwork Simplicity Swallowing your feelings and fighting to have your needs met Finding your artistic voice and rooting yourself within that David’s interest in philosophy Ethics and practical reasoning for the things that you do Aesthetics being used as a “glazing” to your art Masculinity and the roles of gender Strength and vulnerability Futurism Getting to the point of reflecting your opinions within your art Bias The future for Davids self-portraiture and photography