Stereotypes & Art Tatenda96 Exposed !

Model and Photographer Tatenda Gora tells the type of visual stories a select open minded few can appreciate. Signature blonde afro in tow, his fun and abstract take on Digital Art and Photography is often misunderstood. Kirkpatrick Chidamba (KC) caught up with the eccentric Creative Tatenda96 (T96) to unmask the man behind the handle.

KC: Your photos is different, the captions themselves are out of this world. What’s the story behind this ‘weird’ creativity?

T96: I have seen a lot of art around me. Normal and usual things are boring to me. I look at the world from a different angle, which the outcome of the ‘weirdness’. I even direct my own shoots.

KC: Why photography?

T96: I fell in love with it because it brings out what’s in my mind so that others can experience it as well, explaining things may be hard but through photography everything is understood and relatable.

KC: Tell us how the Modelling stuck?

T96:   A lot of people always thought I was or should be a model so then I decided to try it out. A lot of photographers, designers and other models also wanted to work with me so I had no choice but to go with it. People also love my hair!

KC: Do you face stigma because of your Albinism?

T96: Since I was a kid, I felt normal and everyone one treated me like a normal child. But in the southern suburbs I get cheeky comments from the kids. But generally my friends don’t see me as someone different. They see me as I am, Tatenda96!

KC: What successes are you proud of this far into your career?

T96: Well I can’t talk of successes yet but things are going more than great right now. I’ve modeled for Kidd Hunta, a local fashion brand by Taf The Taylor. Also I have I got a lot of projects on the table with photographers and designers which I can’t mention right now, but by 2017 I’ll be all over!

KC: Any solo photography project in the work?

T96: I have done a few. I love abstract, nature and architecture. I’m into mobile photography now until I get my camera situation sorted. All pictures are on my Instagram @Tatenda_96 .

KC: Any other passions besides photography?

T96:  Yes, graphic design. I do digital art (collage and painting). I have done a digital portrait of Ammara Brown and she loved it. It was her Twitter and Facebook profile picture for a while. I also produce music but I’ve put that aside for now.

KC: Any words of inspiration to young creative minds?

T96: If anyone is interested in the art, they should really push their boundaries and never be afraid to discover new things. They should do a lot of research on their interests and always surround themselves with people that have the same interests be it writing, music, fashion, art, photography. All these go hand in hand.

Kirkpatrick Chidamba