Give Me My Flowers
How Images Can Be Bouquets
By Shakira Hunt
Working as a designer full time, living the typical 9-5 life was not creatively fulfilling to me and it was then that I realized my childhood desires of being a photographer had yet to be explored.
I knew that my career in the design world was not going to be my only avenue to creative success, especially after growing my photography passion as a side hustle. Three years into my practice, I took a leap of faith and fired myself from my job at the end of 2018. In March 2019, with no blueprint or family history of entrepreneurs for guidance, I took what I learned from the business side of previous design roles and tailored specific elements to my practice of being a full-time creative entrepreneur.
After exploring my creative medium of branding photography for one year, the world began to shut down and entered a pandemic via COVID-19. With a great deal of uncertainty and fear, much like so many, I surrendered to the circumstance and took the time to reflect and allow the experience to be one of creativity and introspection.
“Being in lockdown created so much space for worry and fear of the unknown. I felt it was my duty to respond through creativity.”
By early Summer 2020, I mustered up enough courage and curiosity to go outside and “play,” calling up a fellow creative friend to do some collaborative shooting and styling. Unbeknownst to me, I was on the verge of something big. Once the shoot was wrapped and I went to share the content on social media, I took some time to dissect the image, to allow the words to come to me as I typed out the caption.
Give Me My Flowers
“It wasn’t until I really looked at the image, that I noticed the subject’s level of self-awareness through femininity. This very masculine presenting man embodied that, and I thought to myself, ‘wow – that must feel so liberating for a Black man to feel safe and secure with his feminine energy.’ In my moment of reflection and typing this out, the words came to me, what better way to honor someone than to give them their flowers?”
It was then that “Give Me My Flowers: The Series” was born. The quest to better understand my masculine counterparts as it relates to the divine feminine and masculine, with men of different experiences, began. This is where my deep introspection of relationships and childhood experiences became my bridge to creativity and healing.
My work is a reflection of the diverse and intricate layers that shape the Black experience. Through my artistic endeavors, I explore themes of identity, gender, trauma, joy and culture, seeking to evoke emotions, ignite conversations and create space for healing. Photography, paired with interactive and immersive installation design curation, serves as my medium of choice, allowing me to craft visual narratives that resonate deeply with my audience.
My interest in this practice is deeply rooted in childhood dreams of becoming a living, working artist. As a child, I found solace in drawing and depicting images of family and the concept of home. Creativity became my sanctuary, offering a safe space to voice my emotions when words failed. Through drawing, photography and journaling, I challenged my reality and found my voice.
As an artist, my work resonates with the audience through authentic storytelling. I aim to create visual narratives that truthfully depict the complexities of the human experience, especially within the Black community. The rawness and honesty in my photography allow viewers to connect on a profound level, relating to shared emotions and experiences. As a visual storyteller, I create a platform for dialogue and healing, bridging the gap between subjects and viewers in a journey of mutual understanding and growth.
One of the most significant influences on my artistic journey is my family. Reflecting on my childhood experiences and the dynamics of my relationship with my mother and father has led to challenging self-discoveries about how I show up in relationships. Art has become my means of healing, allowing me to navigate these complexities and express my journey of growth and self-awareness.
Over the last three years, since the conception of Give Me My Flowers: The Series I have celebrated two solo exhibitions at the Delaware Contemporary and Paradigm Gallery + Studio, my one year series anniversary via a 2-day installation activation in creative collaboration with Planned Parenthood at Essence Festival 2022 and I’m working on my third museum installation activation which will kick off in March 2024 at the Delaware Art Museum. Through my most recent programming with the Philadelphia Museum of Art, my work has expanded to not only be viewed as an exhibition but experiential production..
“Give Me My Flowers is more than just a series; it is quite literally our collective way to show honor and be in a constant state of gratitude. A way to be present in the here and now. To give thanks and have understanding for one another with love through our differences. Though the concept of giving flowers is not new, the work and my personal connection to the creative impulse of it is very much part of my purpose and offering to the world.”
Through visual storytelling and immersive installations, I seek to foster empathy, spark conversations, and provide a platform for the voices that deserve to be heard. My work is an exploration of the human spirit, a celebration of resilience, and a testament to the power of art as a catalyst for change. We all deserve our flowers.
With love + Gratitude,
Shakira
Byline: Shakira Hunt is a creative director, photographer, founder of Shakira Hunt Creative, and creator of the “Give Me My Flowers” photo series which explores masculinity, femininity and emotional intelligence. Originally from Wilmington, DE, her mission is to redefine what it means to be a cultural and experiential curator by using the art of storytelling for cultural representation.
“I remember listening to a podcast while at my full-time design job, from Oprah’s Super Soul conversation, which stated our truest passions come from childhood.”