Ackime Snow is a New York-based Photographer and Director supreme. His personal work reflects his identity as a first generation Jamaican-American and his experiences growing up in New York. He draws inspiration from his past, incorporating nostalgic and seemingly ordinary activities from his youth into his artistic style.
Can you tell us more about your background as a Jamaican immigrant in the USA and how it has influenced your artistic style?
I migrated to America when I was about 4 or so and I remember starting kindergarten and feeling very different due to my accent at the time. Looking back at it, coming to America was a cultural shock for me. I remember seeing/playing in the snow for the first time and interacting with people from different races and nationalities. Luckily for me, I was able to adapt quickly. Also, I grew up in predominantly black and latinx neighborhoods so I never felt too out of place. I think the richness of my heritage and the neighborhoods I grew up in gave me a plethora of subconscious inspiration that I’m able to pull from and that is what influences my style and artistic outlook.
How do you use vignettes from your past to shape your creative work? Can you give us an example of a specific memory or experience that has had a significant impact on your work?
The nostalgic-ness of these vignettes is what guides my work today. It’s a feeling. For example, the specific ways Jamaican and other immigrant families decorate their dwellings. It’s funny, but there is a specific color palette of a Caribbean household. I often think about spaces we inhabited, for example the hallway of the building that my grandparents lived in The Bronx (see image below).
Could you elaborate on the juxtaposition between your identity as a Jamaican national and your experience as a New Yorker? How does this duality influence the themes and concepts you explore in your work?
Being that I left Jamaica when I was so young, the way I remember it is sort of like a dream. A vivid, but distant dream, nothing that I can fully grasp; an abstract painting (see image below). New York on the other hand is where I grew up. New York is tangible; I came in the early 90’s and spent my formative years in the city. The buildings / backdrop of New York, the people / characters in the neighbourhoods I grew up in all left a lasting impression on me.
What are some of the nostalgic and seemingly mundane activities from your youth that inspire you today? How do you translate these influences into your photography?
New York was a much different place in the 90’s, maybe children had more freedom. I remember being able to roam the neighborhood and get into trouble. My friends and I made constant pit stops at each other’s homes. Through doing that I was able to see the nuances and vast differences between cultures. What inspires me is not the mundane activities, but the spaces in which they took place. I try to place my subjects in a similar space that feels nostalgic to my upbringing.
How do you discover and select subjects and stories that truly stand out and resonate with your own photography vision?
When I’m creating personal work, the idea usually originates from a memory or place that jogs a memory. Everything else is built around that. The subject is someone who feels “right” within the world I’m trying to create.
Is there an instant realisation when you’ve captured a perfect portrait. Can you feel it the moment you press the shutter button?
Yes for the most part. When I was in school I took a large format class. Through shooting large format I developed a good habit of having a mental image of what the shot would be before I even set up the camera. I still practice that today, but sometimes I will get something that isn’t exactly what I envisioned.
What about New York most inspires you now?
I think New York makes room for you to be whoever you want to be at any given moment. That’s inspiring to me because I can constantly pivot if I feel the need to.
Right, we’re hopping on a plane to hang out. Where are you taking us for an introduction to vibrant New York?
It depends on the type of New York you’re looking for. What type of adventure are you trying to get into? I’d probably tell you to meet me at the Oma Shop Coffee + Home.
How would you describe the unique character and atmosphere of the city’s creative community?
Everyone is always doing something. Everyone is creative in their own way. In New York, there are a lot of “This and that”. What I mean is, you’ll meet someone that is creative, but they also do something else that is fascinating.
Can you highlight any collaborative projects or initiatives that are fostering a sense of community and connectivity within New York’s creative scenes?
Yes! Scope Of Work (SOW) is a talent development agency for young BIPOC creatives that establishes equity in the creative industry. Recently, I was on a panel to review the portfolios of some of their members.
How do you find inspiration in the hustle and bustle of New York? What are some of the unique challenges and rewards of capturing the city’s creative energy through your lens?
New York is all I know and is my everyday reality. When I’m away for too long I miss its energy. The city’s “tension” propels me to stay active in some sort of way. If I’m not doing this, then I’m doing that. Point being; New York forces you to do. At times it can be exhausting, but through “doing” I gain a sense of accomplishment.
In your experience, how has New York’s reputation as a cultural hub influenced the work and perspectives of artists and photographers?
It’s like the saying, “if you can make it here you can make it anywhere”. People come here because there are so many resources and opportunities to make a living as a creative person.
Looking ahead, what do you predict for the future of New York’s creative scenes? Are there any emerging trends or movements that particularly excite you?
New York is constantly changing, it’s visually different from when I was a kid. However, the city still has its spirit. I’m excited to see how future creatives document New York with its new landscape.
