KHALIK ALLAH IN CONVERSATION WITH SHALINI PASSI

A self-taught filmmaker and photographer, Khalik Allah (b.1985) is a New York-based Artist. His works are famously known for its simultaneous viscerality, and hauntingly beautiful and penetrative visuals. Real and raw, his profoundly personal work goes beyond street photography. Khalik shoots with a manual, analogue film camera, as photography and film-making form a venn diagram in his work.

SP: What is photography to you?

KA: Photography is a way of interfacing with the world. A way of reading the world and a form of self expression. It’s a culture. A way of life.

SP: As an artist, where do you seek inspiration from?

KA: I am inspired by my life experiences, music, specifically Hip Hop and Jazz. I believe that love is the ultimate source of all inspiration.

SP: Your work shows a complex sense for audiovisual composition which is indeed an outstanding way of seeing and editing. According to you, what is the significance of editing in photography/cinema?

KA: Editing is how I get my message across. As a filmmaker and photographer, there are things that I would like to say, to help people, to teach people. The editing process is important because it helps to fine-tune my message.

SP: Your works like ‘Black Mother’ and ‘Field Niggas’ highlights people on streets experiencing intense socioeconomic, sociocultural and sociopolitical circumstances. I am interested to know what drove you to make such path breaking Films? Were there any challenges you had to face while shooting them?

KA: The intention behind my documentary films was to give voice to the voiceless. I tell stories from the perspective of people who are largely unknown and overlooked. The people I film accept me because they understand my intentions. I use my ability to give them a platform and we co-create projects together. I embrace challenges in my work because finding creative ways to overcome challenges makes the work more impactful.

SP: Do you have any technical strategy you follow while Filming? What is the weight of technicality in the photographs you take? Any particular audience you aim for?

KA: I consider my work a form of heart surgery. I make my work for everyone. I try not to limit my audience although I am aware everyone isn’t ready for what I have to say. I strive for technical excellence but the content outweighs the form.

SP: Pandemic has affected many Artists in myriad ways. How has it impacted your art practice?

KA: The pandemic made it a little more difficult to shoot the way I usually do, but I didn’t let it stop me.

SP: Would you like to give us glimpses of your ongoing projects?

KA: I’ll keep it quiet for now. I like to talk about things once they’re completed. But I am working and I’m grateful I am able to continue working.