Meet Safiyah Chiniere | Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Safiyah Chiniere and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Safiyah, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
Family.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a director and photographer, my art is a testament to the strength and resilience of women who often feel overlooked and marginalized. Through my work, I strive to amplify their voices and shed light on their stories, reminding them of their inherent worth. What sets me apart is the underlying sense of resilience that permeates the emotions captured in my art. Even in the face of darkness, I am driven to bring forth the light, empowering individuals to remember their true selves and reclaim their identities. I take pride in the consistency of my artistic expression, which has propelled me forward as an artist. The path is not always easy, as recognition can be elusive, but the fulfillment lies in the knowledge that I am a creator—an artist with the power to bring something new and impactful into the world.

It wasn’t easy and still isn’t if I’m being transparent. When the worry comes, the fear comes and depression comes. You’re not even creating anymore you’re scared of what the world will perceive you as so you stop. I think art is suppose to be uncomfortable I believe thats why were artist. We are meant to go through these uncomfortable cycles to then bring them to life with our hands and show the world our perspective. So it took a lot of motivating myself, going out to network and not giving up on finding work.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were to visit me, I would ensure that their visit coincides with a time when there are numerous events and activities happening in Brooklyn. Known as a vibrant creative hub, Brooklyn offers a plethora of exciting experiences to explore together.

We could begin our adventure by visiting interactive museums, immersing ourselves in the rich art and cultural scene that Brooklyn has to offer. Additionally, I would suggest checking out “buy black Brooklyn,” a movement promoting support for black-owned businesses. We can enjoy the unique shopping experiences and contribute to the local community.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shout out to my grandmother for her dedication to capturing our family’s moments. During the 90s, she would always document our family functions with a huge camcorder, tirelessly ensuring that no moment was left unrecorded. Her commitment to preserving our history and showcasing our joyful resilience has left an indelible impression on me.

Witnessing her capture these precious moments has instilled within me a deep reverence for the power of memories. Her belief in the importance of showcasing our collective history has been a constant inspiration for me as a director.
It is through my grandmother’s lens of love and family that I have come to appreciate the profound impact of storytelling.

As a director, I strive to evoke emotions, share narratives, and preserve the essence of the human experience, just as my grandmother did with her camcorder. I am continuously driven to create work that reflects the richness and interconnectedness of our shared stories.

Website: https://safiyahchiniere.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safiyahchiniere/

Twitter: @safiyahchiniere