Jamaicans Across the Globe.
Jakes Hotel in Treasure Beach
Waiting for the Train at the Brooklyn J Flushing Ave. Subway Line
This month we interview Jamaican photographer Monique Lai. Her work has been featured in many gallery exhibits around the world including New York and Hong Kong. Her photographs tell stories in a unique style.
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Mobay, ‘Paradise Acres.’
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I recently celebrated my four-year anniversary! I took this time to reflect on the amazing journey of living and wanting this dream of being behind the lens. I was just in Xi’an, one of the oldest cities in China having coffee in my room at the Shangri-la where I was shooting new work. And all I could think of was “wow … the journey that led me here to this room.”
Sunday, October 16, 2005. At the time, certain film projects that were supposed to line up did not, and I was devastated. Also, the mere mention of wanting to be a photographer drew a lot of “there are already so many, and you have to think of the competition!” But in my mind I knew: no one could see what I see …
I had decided a few days before, that Sunday I would shoot 3 rolls of film as a test. I had already in my mind knew the subject matter I would shoot and where. That next day when I looked at the work, I was excited and happy, and it was only then I said, “I am a photographer.” I may not have the technical background most photographers have, but I have an eye and a vision.
That test shoot … the subject matter I was shooting, was my series Private Property, which was exhibited at the ArcLight Hollywood on 2 floors in Los Angeles. ‘Drought’ is one of the pieces that I photographed that Sunday. I had come full circle.
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I have a love for architecture and construction … hence my love for shooting on location! I tend to highlight this work in my images because I am conscious of the amount of manpower it takes to create a foundation and structure for the public. It is with their expertise i.e. of construction workers/builders, and various sub-contractors, that we enjoy our living space. I very much appreciate this and take note of these design elements that become a huge component of my work.
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My shoots are primarily mental. I have to be completely open to all elements on the day of shooting which is why I have to rest, relax, and listen to some Bob Marley music. My team normally gets onset early, and I come in a bit later …
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“Be confident with your eye.” When I showed my portfolio when I started, there were key people who marveled how strong my eye was already and surprised I had only been shooting 5 months. Their positive feedback helped guide me to stay on course ….
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I have to feel connected to an image in order to shoot and there has to be a reason for me to take pictures. My work is not about shooting a pretty picture. There has to be depth and meaning behind it.
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This was inspired when I arrived in NY. I loved these subway tracks and I thought it was beautifully designed. I next thought of using colorful pumps to highlight certain features of landscape around the city, and was able to use “Blond” stilettos for this series. The idea behind this is unfortunately a bit x-rated so I would rather not say …
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I primarily have been shooting digital. I rarely crop and I shoot everything I need at that moment, which is why natural lighting for me is very important. I don’t know how to use Photoshop, so I am a huge fan of Google’s Picasa and Adobe Lightroom.
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I was selected by a writer from Barnett’s magazine to shoot LOVERIDE 2005 where BB King was performing at Lake Castaic. I submitted a few images of my work and got the call a few days later. In order to shoot this assignment, I had to follow the group and ride on a Harley!
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Mr. Perry Henzell.
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I have traveled to China and Hong Kong throughout the years, and was struck by its uninhibited design. The Bank of China building in HK is one of the most incredible buildings I have seen, and I saw this in 1985. It said to me, anything was possible. This was the beginning, the roots of my very strong and wild imagination …
I speak Cantonese and have lived in Hong Kong so I always felt connected to both cultures and roots growing up. There is a deep sense of appreciation and admiration I feel when we become and acknowledge our own history.
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Istanbul, Kazakhstan … something wild at the desert with a camel. I have also always been intrigued with Mesopotamia.
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Mr. Buju Banton!
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…
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I hope you have these …
1. Mavado, Again and Again
2. Duane Stephenson, August Town -
I need to make time to travel the island. I have been wanting to see Port Royal and the Blue Mountains. But especially the Martha Brae river and the Green Grotto caves …
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I have a photo exhibition with the Red Elation gallery in Hong Kong, showcasing my most personal work to date featuring actress Eugenia Yuan. This series is titled Rêvant des Révolutions, from November 14 2009 thru January 3 2010. This show moves next to Boston in 2010 with the DNA gallery.
I am working hard to land my first major photography publishing deal! In between my personal work I also shoot assignments for various clients, most recently for Swire. 2 directing projects could happen, so am learning to take it all day by day. I never know where I am going to be … I just go when I get a call!
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I strongly believe you have to know what you are about and what you want to say. Once you have figured that out, it will be much easier to shoot. Most importantly, have fun. Thank you Xavier. One Love …
You can view Monique’s work at https://www.moniquelai.com
and https://www.moniquelaipicture.com [updated]
Private Property Series
‘Drought’, limited edition 1 of 6.
Rêvant des Révolutions series
‘Mortalité’, limited edition 1 of 6.
‘Goat on the Run.’