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

Hi Kamal, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success is my undying willingness to believe that my story matters. When you grow up watching so many great artists and filmmakers, it can feel very intimidating to even imagine you can come close to what they have created. So I really had to train myself to be confident in my visions and accept that I am just as worthy as anyone else in creating powerful work. Once you truly accept your voice as an artist and do the hard work it requires, the sky really is the limit.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My greatest triumph in my career so far is my recently released photography book entitled “BLACK ASTRONAUT: The Stars Belong to the People”. My book gives a striking depiction of a nationwide revolution ignited by the pandemic and the passing of George Floyd. One of the aspects that makes me proud of my work with this project is my choice in taking an innovative/intergalactic approach in the telling of my story — which I believe creates an unparalleled opportunity to explore pivotal sectors of our country’s unrest.

My use of the concept of being a Black Astronaut strongly reflects my overall journey in becoming the artist and individual I am today. Like many of us I’ve always felt the pressure to follow the guidance of others, but submitting to ideals outside of my own intuition always brought me further away from what my spirit was reaching for. Like an astronaut going into the great unknown in hopes of reaching a distant destination, my internal fight to accept my own voice has been one of the greatest challenges of my life. But through that great challenge I’ve been blessed to gain some of the greatest moments and lessons I could ever ask for.

One the lessons that comes to mind is the importance of research. Research, research, research! Every story, including your own has so many elements to it that you can not see on the surface. Having the patience and taking the time to dive deeper into whatever you are pursuing can take your work to places your mind cant even imagine. History is one of our most powerful tools in telling stories, it surely has been for me.

When it comes to my aspirational impact on the world, my only hope is to tell stories that break through the distractions and remind us of who we truly are.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In Los Angeles the place that I love the most is the skate park at Venice Beach. I can sit there for hours without end watching the skaters do their magic! Whenever I have friends in town I always make sure to spend plenty of time in Venice Beach. There’s so much to explore and experience! And at the end of good food and funky adventures, I always find a spat to sit by the skate park to enjoy the show! For me it’s like watching a huge aquarium because of all the motion and fluidity. One day I hope to do a project on skaters, It’s one of the skills I have no interest in doing but I love watching.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
One of my biggest inspirations is a photography book by Bruce Davidson entitled “Subway”. It was the first photography book I had ever purchased! It was about 7 years ago when I visited the Aperture Gallery in NYC in hopes of discovering more photography that moved me, there I found a used version of that book in their gift shop. I was immediately struck by the timeless photos of the New York I was never privileged to experience in the 80’s. From the vivid colors to soul bending moments Bruce Davidson captured I was immediately blinded with inspiration. Given its impact on me at such an early point in my artistry, Davidson’s influence is sewed into the DNA of the work to this day. I am forever grateful for his work and dedication.

Website: www.iamkamalx.com

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

Other: LINK TO BOOK: https://a.co/d/gQLiwL1

Image Credits
Kamal X

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