The images shared by Trinidadian photographer Olajuwon Scott may seem unusual to some – vivid, almost symbolic representations of predominantly Caribbean elements that become larger than life under his lens.
In an interview with cycle news, Scott, 27, said he recently returned from Spain as part of a UNESCO-sponsored Caribbean delegation for Photo España.
His work is now attracting international attention – a photo from his series “Galvanize Portraits” was selected for inclusion in the 2024 Palm* Photo Prize exhibition at the Melkweg Expo, Amsterdam.
Disrupting perceptions of masculinity
Scott’s work creates thought-provoking portraits of Trinidadian life, bringing into focus important and often challenging themes within Caribbean culture.
“I explore and challenge conventional notions of masculinity as one of my main themes in my work. In places like Laventille and throughout Trinidad, masculinity is often used as a survival strategy—a means for people to secure their place in society.
“I aim to expose and confront the root of these cultural expectations, exposing how masculinity is often a facade motivated by a desire to belong. By photographing and documenting these layers, I hope to create a better understanding of what it means to be male in Trinidadian society, and how these roles influence personal and community identities.”
Photos: Olajuwon Scott
Capturing the ethos of post-colonial T&T
Some of the other cultural themes that Scott’s work explores include the lives and contributions of Trinidadian women, relationships, family, and the cultural uniqueness of modern Trinidadian culture.
“My work often aims to highlight the cultural diversity of Trinidad and Tobago. From the spectacular carnival celebrations to the daily rituals and customs that define Trinidadian life, my photography aims to portray the spirit of our cultural heritage. Each artwork pays homage to the unique and vibrant essence of my nation.
“By highlighting the beauty and richness of our culture, I wish to instill pride and admiration in my fellow Trinidadians, while also sharing our unique narrative with a larger audience.
Photo: Olajuwon Scott
“By incorporating these issues into my photography, I hope to produce a body of work that not only portrays the complexities of my community, but also challenges and deepens our knowledge of Trinidadian life. My artwork serves as a lens through which the multifaceted nature of our society can be seen, appreciated and celebrated.”
Finding his calling
After graduating high school, Scott initially began studying industrial electrical engineering, but he questioned whether he was pursuing the right career for him.
“Although I showed considerable potential in that area, it was not fulfilling and my thoughts kept turning to art.
“At the end of 2017, I took a trip to Saint Vincent with the intention of climbing Mount Soufrière to gain clarity about my future. During this trip, I used the Samsung Galaxy S5 to capture the experience and realized that photography could be my calling.
“I vividly remember calling my mother and telling her that I would rather ‘waste’ a year of my life pursuing electricity than waste ten years and face a mid-life crisis not following my passion for art.”
“That’s when I decided to pursue photography and videography.”
Scott said almost out of the blue, his dad gave him a flyer for a photography and videography course. He took that as a sign, excelling in the program and was hired as an assistant coach.
He continued to showcase his work through Instagram and began to gather followers.
He was determined to continue his photography studies, but faced some financial constraints. Despite this, Scott was able to get private work while studying and, combined with the support of his family and even his teacher in the program, was able to complete his studies.
Facing challenges as a photographer
It didn’t get any easier, however, as a new photographer on the scene, Scott had some challenges.
“When I started my journey in photography, I faced several challenges. A major obstacle was the purchase of equipment. This field requires constant investment in camera bodies, lenses and other equipment, which is financially draining.
“Additionally, finding mentorship that matched the direction I wanted to take my work was also difficult. I often felt like I had to carve my own way and figure most things out on my own, and even now, I’m still finding my place.”
Scott said it was also a challenge finding jobs, but he remained undaunted.
“Another important challenge was finding paid jobs. Many people are reluctant to take a chance on someone new, making it difficult to secure work. To overcome this, I focused on posting more of my work online, collaborating and working with friends. These efforts gradually helped me get my name out there and opened up more opportunities for paid work.”
A tribute to T&T: Scott’s portrayal of Trinidadian life
His work is unique to Trinidad and Tobago, yet universal in its representation of Caribbean life.
“Growing up in Trinidad and Tobago, I would say that my environment has profoundly shaped and developed my work. The country is blessed with a rich tapestry of personalities, perspectives, cultural milestones and diverse flora and fauna. I find inspiration as soon as I walk out the door. Observing Trinbagonian life is a truly unique experience. I am always amazed at how we move as a people; it is as if I see our souls in motion and I feel called to document this.
“My work is a testament to my continued exploration and deep appreciation for my country. This passion can be seen in the pieces I choose to feature, which are infused with the essence of Trinidad and Tobago. The vibrant energy of Carnival, the deeply rooted traditions of Trinbagonian and Caribbean culture and the dynamic lives of the people around me all serve as major influences in my creative process.”
Scott says his photography style is a mix of documentary, portrait and editorial photography.
“My art seeks to celebrate and capture the beauty and spirit of my homeland, reflecting the joy and vibrancy that define Trinidadian life.
“I create multi-layered representations of the community in which I grew up. I dig into the root causes of issues such as toxic masculinity, which, at its core, is often a survival tactic performed to secure a sense of belonging.
“I also aim to offer alternative readings of Laventille, drawing on fond memories that greatly influence my craft.”
Scott’s images reveal an innocence often overlooked: a cocoon broom, kite flying, children at play after school.
“I remember the joy of kite flying in the Savannah, the coconut broom my mother used for both cleaning and discipline, and the children playing in the yard, experiencing the pure joy of togetherness at an age when their innocence was not still damaged by a sometimes unforgiving environment. By sharing these perspectives, I attempt to describe a more nuanced understanding of Laventille, revealing it as a complex society rather than one to be automatically dismissed. My work aims to challenge preconceived notions and highlight the rich and multifaceted nature of my community.”
The future of Trinidadian photography
As a photographer, Scott is also aware of the implications of developing technology, such as Artificial Intelligence.
“I’m not sure I can fully speak for the future with regards to AI, but I’ve used it before to fix small things in my work, and therefore I don’t see AI as a completely bad thing. I see it more as a tool to help us work faster.”
Overall, he hopes that photography in Trinidad and Tobago can really develop as an art form.
“The future is bright, and my generation is really starting to see where photography can be more than just a hobby. However, I wish that photography was taken as seriously as other forms of art, such as painting.
“I say this because myself and a fellow photographer from Trinidad, Corri, recently went to Spain as UNESCO-sponsored Caribbean delegates for Photo España. We were really amazed to see so many exhibitions centered around photography. I think in Trinidad and Tobago, the spaces that have exhibitions don’t necessarily take photography-only exhibitions seriously.”
Moving forward
Scott said he is determined to continue to develop his skills as a photographer and share as much of his work with the world as possible.
“I want to continue to incorporate Trinidadian culture into my work, whether through editorial photography, documentary photography or short films. Trinidad and Tobago has a rich cultural landscape that offers endless opportunities for exploration. I am committed to showcasing this through my art and expanding my exploration to various Caribbean locations and, eventually, the world.”
He said he also hopes to publish his first photography collection soon and possibly pursue further education, perhaps with a Master’s degree in Photography or Film.
He also hopes there can be more avenues for local photographers to connect and create in a way that supports their practice.
“As artists, we have to explore different avenues to sustain ourselves through our art. I aspire to have a studio where I can facilitate all my creative ideas and bring them to life. Additionally, I want to create a space where up-and-coming photographers can have short-term access, as I strongly believe in mentorship opportunities, which are currently lacking in our photography community.”
Follow Olajuwon Scott on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olajuwonnscott/
