Kenyatta Crisp began his studies in art & photography back in 2012. Over the years, he has developed a keen eye for portrait photography and is deemed a fine artist with all curations under 28KaratBlack. His work reflects Black/African American art culture and the representation of Black joy and happiness in the likeness of darkness and despair. His photobook, Divine, is available for sale at Zygote Press and online at 28karatblack.com.

“What equipment did you shoot with for this work?” – Aja

“When I shot these images, I used my 35mm camera, the Contax G1, and my Nikon D850 with a NIKKOR 24-70mm 2.8 lens.” – Kenyatta

“What part(s) of Cleveland have you shown in your work? What do you enjoy/appreciate about this area in particular?” – Aja

“Growing up in the Buckeye and Wade Park neighborhood was an important part of my childhood. I have fond memories growing up as an adolescent. I think about the many times where I would hop fences or scrape my knees falling off my Mongoose, or the times where I would get into fist fights with the neighborhood kids I was at odds with, the smell of charcoal and lighter fluid in the air as I eat BBQ at the summer cookout, hearing ‘Diplomatic Immunity’ in 2003 by Dipset for the first time. The love I experienced from friends and family…A Village…a community…a home. As an adult, I still appreciate the unique moments I felt that helped shape me.” – Kenyatta

“How do you interpret the title, Photo Poet?” – Aja

“To be a photo poet, is to be a Griot. To tell stories through imagery and moments made permanent with the tools we call cameras.” – Kenyatta