Meegan Mitchell

Photographer

Meegan Mitchell, 24, born and raised in Cape Town.

"Meegan Mitchell is a like a beautifully composed jazz record."

In what sense is Jazz music or Jazz instruments a form of art in your opinion?

I personally consider any form of expression as art. If there’s a creating process that helps you develop your individual voice and share it with an audience then it’s art. 

A jazz song that gives you a nostalgic feeling?

‘The Gospel According to Jazz Vol 2’ album.

What got you into Jazz music and can you play any Jazz instrument?

Jazz music is that one thing that has always been in my life. My father was always playing his records around our home and I think my fondest memory were our family road trips to the Northern Cape because I would always get so excited to hear his jazz selections. I can’t play any instruments but I’m low key interested in learning how to play the bass guitar.

Where do you showcase your work?

The Duotone Gallery was the second showcasing of my photographs. I’ve exhibited my work at the Central Library in Cape Town maybe 2 years ago. Ultimately, I would love to show more of my work and I’ve been very fortunate for the spaces created. 

The Duotone photography exhibition is a Cape Town International Jazz Festival linked initiative that started last year (2017), where a select few are chosen to showcase their work. 

What makes the best portraits? Or what features do you feel are necessary in a portrait?

I always focus on the eyes and get really close cause I love the different textures on the human face. 

What are your documentaries about?

I identify as a coloured woman and I am naturally very passionate about documenting this complex community of brown people. Coloured people are undervalued and marginalized so I’m taking it upon myself to never speak of coloured people in the negative. Representation is important and that’s why I would like to visually portray the richness of my people. I’m currently working on a portrait series where I travel to predominantly coloured communities and capture the atlas of beautiful brown faces. 

The Khoi Wonder by Meegan Mitchell

Many believe that there has never been a race called ‘coloured’ , that there is no coloured culture, traditions and customs and therefore no people. That statement is inaccurate as it erases an entire culture, race and community. There will never be a definitive answer to any of our questions concerning identity because this is ultimately a personal journey. We’re all very different and we have unmatched stories to tell that essentially contributes to who we are. 

Do you find yourself staging a certain scene or part of your documentary because of camera failure or whatever reason?

My reason for sometimes staging scenes are only because I want to control the narrative but still give the viewer the freedom to explore because art is subjective. 

What is your procedure for creating your documentaries?

Identify the reason behind the concept, jot down a few ideas, concepts and the direction for shoot. Research which usually involves conversations with strangers that I feel might be able to help me see my idea with fresh eyes or contribute. Plan logistics. Start the process of creating and sourcing whatever I may need. Approach different creatives I want to collaborate with. Start shooting.

Throughout the capturing or filming process, do you often look at your subject or look at your subject through the camera.

I do both because I always try to frame the scene before looking at it through the viewfinder.

What are some of the challenges you face preproduction and during production?

Some of the challenges preproduction are usually just the logistics. I experience minor problems during production like lighting because I only work with natural light. 

Do you often find relationships in the stories of all the people you “capture “ or film and the people themselves?

Yes I do. That’s what initially draws me to a certain person because I sense some kind of relation between the two.

Are you studying?

I completed my Art and Design studies in 2016.

What do you feel is the connection between portraits and documentaries?

The relationship between the two is storytelling.

What’s your relationship like with your hair?

Allowing her to grow untamed has given me a sense of freedom. 

What characteristic would you say you share with your hair?

Shug is velvety and soft just like me. 

How comfortable are you with being in front of the camera in comparison to being behind the camera?

I’m very comfortable with both but being behind the lens is where I’m the happiest. 

Dark chocolate or Spinach Salad?

Dark Chocolate!

Reading a novel or going to the beach or both?

Going to the beach.

Would you dye your hair black?

Yes!

I politely decline the invite.

How do you get yourself out of going to places you don’t actually want to go to?

Hugh Masikela’s music was and is?

Hugh Masekela’s music was radical and is resonant and will live forever.

Meegan Mitchell

@meegymaxx

April 2018