Takenya K. Holness documents the solidarity, celebration and tenderness among Black Britons

The London-based photographer has been published in the likes of the South London Press, Crack Magazine, Black News UK and been commissioned by The British Museum and The Brixton Project for her astute documentations of Black British Culture.

Date
31 January 2024

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Takenya K. Holness’ photography gives us multiple perspectives on Black British culture. Graduating from Central Saint Martins after studying for her master’s in contemporary photography, she now refers to herself as a “patient study of colour,” seeing her practice as “a continuous odyssey of image-making and a means of creative release”.

Born in Jamaica and raised in London, the photographer documents events of congregation and celebration throughout a community. One of the most enticing things about her work is that ceremony, protest and individuality are captured with equal forte. Take the Windrush 75 events (events of summer 2023 held in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the MV Empire Windrush arriving in the UK and its generation of Caribbean migrants) of last summer, such as the Windrush Tea Party, where the photographer flexes her talent for documenting a range of expression. From wide shots capturing crowds in solidarity, to photographs showcasing the binding quality of cultural costume, and tender portraits of some of its visitors – her work is a site for memory and an account that can galvanise communities of the future.

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Takenya K. Holness: Windrush 75 Proceedings (Copyright © Takenya K. Holness, 2024)

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Takenya K. Holness: Windrush 75 Proceedings (Copyright © Takenya K. Holness, 2024)

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Takenya K. Holness: Windrush 75 Proceedings (Copyright © Takenya K. Holness, 2024)

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Takenya K. Holness: Windrush 75 Proceedings (Copyright © Takenya K. Holness, 2024)

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Takenya K. Holness: Windrush 75 Proceedings (Copyright © Takenya K. Holness, 2024)

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Takenya K. Holness: Windrush 75 Proceedings (Copyright © Takenya K. Holness, 2024)

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Takenya K. Holness: Windrush 75 Sound System (Copyright © Takenya K. Holness, 2024)

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Takenya K. Holness: Windrush 75 Tea Party (Copyright © Takenya K. Holness, 2024)

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Takenya K. Holness: Windrush 75 Proceedings (Copyright © Takenya K. Holness, 2024)

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Takenya K. Holness: Windrush 75 Tea Party (Copyright © Takenya K. Holness, 2024)

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About the Author

Yaya Azariah Clarke

Yaya (they/them) was previously a staff writer at It’s Nice That. With a particular interest in Black visual culture, they have previously written for publications such as WePresent, alongside work as a researcher and facilitator for Barbican and Dulwich Picture Gallery.

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