The images shared by Trinidadian photographer Olajuwon Scott may seem unconventional to some – vivid, almost symbolic representations of quintessentially Caribbean elements that become larger-than-life under his lens.
In an interview with Loop News, Scott, 27, said he recently returned from Spain as part of a Caribbean delegation sponsored by UNESCO for Photo España.
His work is now gathering international attention – a photo from his “Galvanize Portraits” series was selected to be included in the 2024 Palm* Photo Prize 2024 exhibition at Melkweg Expo, Amsterdam.
Disrupting perceptions of masculinity
Scott’s work creates thought-provoking portraits of Trinidadian life, calling into focus important and often challenging themes within Caribbean culture.
“I explore and challenge conventional notions of masculinity as one of my main themes in my work. In places like Laventille and throughout Trinidad, masculinity is frequently used as a survival strategy—a means for people to ensure their place in society.
“I aim to expose and confront the root of these cultural expectations, exposing how toxic masculinity is frequently a façade motivated by a desire to belong. By photographing and documenting these layers, I hope to create a better understanding of what it means to be a male in Trinidadian society, as well as how these roles influence personal and community identities.”
Photos: Olajuwon Scott
Capturing the ethos of post-colonial T&T
Some of the other cultural themes Scott’s work explores includes the lives and contributions of Trinidadian women, relationships, family, and the cultural uniqueness of modern Trinidadian culture.
“My work frequently aims to highlight Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural diversity. From the spectacular Carnival celebrations to the everyday rituals and customs that define Trinidadian life, my photography aims to portray the spirit of our cultural heritage. Each artwork pays homage to the unique and vibrant essence of my nation.
“By highlighting the beauty and richness of our culture, I wish to instil pride and admiration in my fellow Trinidadians while also sharing our unique narrative with a larger audience.
Photo: Olajuwon Scott
“By incorporating these issues into my photography, I hope to produce a body of work that not only portrays the intricacies of my community, but also challenges and deepens our knowledge of Trinidadian life. My artwork serves as a lens through which the multifaceted nature of our society can be viewed, appreciated, and celebrated.”
Finding his calling
After finishing secondary school, Scott initially began studying industrial electrical engineering, but he questioned whether he was pursuing the right career for him.
“Although I showed considerable potential in that field, it wasn’t fulfilling, and my thoughts kept returning to art.
“In late 2017, I took a trip to St. Vincent with the goal of climbing Mt Soufrière to gain clarity about my future. During this trip, I used my Samsung Galaxy S5 to capture the experience and realized that photography might be my calling.
“I vividly remember calling my mother and telling her that I would rather “waste” one year of my life pursuing electrical than waste ten years and face a mid-life crisis for not following my passion for art.”
“I decided then to pursue photography and videography.”
Scott said almost serendipitously, his father handed him a flyer for a photography and videography course. He took it as a sign, excelling at the programme, and was hired as an assistant trainer.
He continued to showcase his work via Instagram and began to gather a following.
He was determined to continue his studies in photography but faced some financial constraints. Despite this, Scott was able to take on private jobs while studying and, combined with support from his family and even his teacher at the programme, was able to complete his studies.
Facing challenges as a photographer
It didn’t get any easier, however, as a new photographer on the scene, Scott had several challenges.
“When starting my journey in photography, I encountered several challenges. One major hurdle was purchasing equipment. This field demands constant investment in camera bodies, lenses, and other gear, which is financially draining.
“Additionally, finding mentorship that aligned with the direction I wanted to take my work was also difficult. I often felt like I had to carve my own path and figure out most things on my own, and even now, I’m still finding my place.”
Scott said it was also a challenge in getting paying jobs, but he remained undaunted.
“Another significant challenge was getting paid jobs. Many people are hesitant to take a chance on someone new, making it tough to secure work. To overcome this, I focused on posting more of my work online, collaborating, and working with friends. These efforts gradually helped me get my name out there and opened up more opportunities for paid jobs.”
An homage to T&T: Scott’s portrayal of Trinidadian life
His work is both unique to Trinidad and Tobago, yet universal in its representation of Caribbean life.
“Growing up in Trinidad and Tobago, I would say that my environment has profoundly shaped and developed my work. The country is blessed with a rich tapestry of personalities, perspectives, culturally significant moments, and diverse flora and fauna. I find inspiration as soon as I step out the door. Observing Trinbagonian life is a truly unique experience. I’m always captivated by the way we move as a people; it’s like I see our spirits in motion, and I feel called to document that.
“My work is a testament to my continuous exploration and deep appreciation for my country. This passion can be seen in the pieces I choose to display, which are infused with the essence of Trinidad and Tobago. The vibrant energy of Carnival, the deep-rooted traditions of Trinbagonian and Caribbean culture, and the dynamic lives of the people around me all serve as major influences in my creative process.”
Scott says his style of photography is a mixture of documentary, portrait and editorial photography.
“My art seeks to celebrate and capture the beauty and spirit of my homeland, reflecting the joy and vibrancy that define Trinidadian life.
“I create multilayered representations of the community in which I was raised. I delve into the root causes of issues such as toxic masculinity, which, at its core, is often a survival tactic performed to secure a sense of belonging.
“I also aim to offer alternate readings of Laventille, drawing on fond memories that greatly influence my craft.”
Scott’s images reveal an innocence that is often overlooked: a cocoyea broom, kite-flying, children at play after school.
“I recall the joy of kite flying in the Savannah, the cocoyea broom my mother used for both cleaning and discipline, and children playing in the yard, experiencing the pure joy of togetherness at an age when their innocence had not yet been marred by a sometimes unforgiving environment. By sharing these perspectives, I strive to depict a more nuanced understanding of Laventille, revealing it as a complex society rather than one that should be automatically dismissed. My work aims to challenge preconceived notions and highlight the rich, multifaceted nature of my community.”
The future of Trinidadian photography
As a photographer, Scott is also well-aware of the implications of developing technology, such as Artificial Intelligence.
“I’m not sure I can fully speak for the future regarding AI, but I have used it before to fix little things in my work, and therefore I don’t view AI as a completely bad thing. I see it more as a tool to help us work faster.”
Overall, he hopes that photography in Trinidad and Tobago can truly develop as an art form.
“The future is bright, and my generation is really beginning to see where photography can be more than just a hobby. However, I wish that photography could be taken as seriously as other art forms, such as painting.
“I say this because a fellow photographer from Trinidad, Corri, and I recently went to Spain as Caribbean delegates sponsored by UNESCO for Photo España. We were really amazed to see so many photography-centered exhibitions. I think that in Trinidad and Tobago, the spaces that do have exhibitions don’t necessarily take photography-only exhibitions seriously.”
Moving forward
Scott said he’s determined to continue developing his skill as a photographer and to share as much of his work as possible with the world.
“I want to continue incorporating Trinidadian culture into my work, whether through editorial photography, documentary photography, or short films. Trinidad and Tobago has a rich cultural landscape that offers endless opportunities for exploration. I am dedicated to showcasing this through my art and expanding my exploration to different Caribbean countries and, eventually, the world.”
He said he also hopes to publish his first collection of photography soon, and possibly pursue further education, perhaps with a Master’s degree in Photography or Film.
He also hopes that there can be more avenues for local photographers to connect and create in a way that sustains their practice.
“As artists, we need to explore various avenues to sustain ourselves through our art. I aspire to have a studio where I can facilitate all my creative ideas and bring them to life. Additionally, I want to create a space where upcoming photographers can have short-term access, as I strongly believe in mentorship opportunities, which are currently lacking in our photography community.”
Follow Olajuwon Scott on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olajuwonnscott/
