With a style that transcends photojournalism Akintola Hanif completely blurs all distinction between anthropologist and artist. While the diversity of his portfolio suggests Hanif can take 'pretty pictures' for now he seems defiantly resolved to focus his lens on the slum Othellos', the tragic and the beautiful. Fear and death collide with freedom and life in Hanif's striking, deeply personal collection of works. Few can capture pure despair and hope with as much beauty, respect and truth.
On Sunday, October 25, 2009, Akintola Hanif, with support from the Newark Arts Council presents his latest exhibit FEAR LESS. This exhibit is extra special because it also marks the premier of Hanif’s long awaited photography, design and film production studio HYCIDE in downtown Newark’s financial district. “I spent years looking for a location and then renovations and funding.... But it’s worth it. HYCIDE is my sanctuary, my place to plan and work. I’m looking forward to just creatively going in” says the Brooklyn, New York native. Nestled in a building which serves as a creative home to artists of various mediums & genres, the opening of HYCIDE studio will undoubtably present new opportunities and growth for this young artists' career.
- Ndada Vaz
"Much like Gordon Parks, Jamel Shabazz and other lens legends before him, Hanif no doubt represents the next generation of truly talented photographers. Honest, introspective and gripping, his razor sharp imagery bears testiment to the beauty, and the beast that is inner-city America."
-Koe Rodriguez, Visual Artist & Hip-Hop Documentarian
