The Tastemakers Society

In life sometimes you’re lucky enough to meet really interesting, smart, creative people in my case I get to meet them a lot being I look for them. And Kareem Black the famed photographer was another one of those people who after you get a chance to speak to them, you’re able to walk away with something that you didn’t have before and make yourself just that much more of a better person. When I reached out to Kareem about doing an interview with TTS he kindly agreed with one request, it be different, and my reply TTS is different, I never do anything like others. So we both decided we wanted this to be a different type of interview for Kareem, being he’s had dozens of interviews and has been asked dozens of the same questions. I chopped up some ideas in my head, and kept asking myself what can I ask that no one else has, what angle can I take no one else has taken, then it hit me, I could never come up with perfect questions for Kareem, only he could. So I approached Kareem with an idea, this idea being he step out his shell and interview himself in a way no one else could ever do so. I asked him to create a whole new him, another personality to completely be free of Kareem himself when doing this, he must be in part 2 very very different people, while all at the same time be the same person. He took hold of the idea like a choke hold and didn’t let go, he was able to do what I wanted better than I hoped for. Not many people would be able to do such a thing in such a way that if not told you’d never know that the two people in this interview are one in the same. Now you all will get to learn more about Kareem Black in a way you could have never before unless you befriended him for years, he pulled himself out for you all to see. I’d like to introduce you to Hoshi Sato the beautiful woman who’s Kareems counterpart and could have possibly been Kareem in another life. We should all try sitting down, stepping out of ourselves and taking a real look at who we are in a non basis way, that’s an eye opener.

I find myself on the corner of Mott and Broom, near downtown New York’s Chinatown and Little Italy. I’m looking for someplace called Sam’s bar. American portrait photographer Kareem Black suggested that it be there that we meet for my interview of him. Black said that the bar was something like Cheers (you know the T.V. show). But far from a tawny pub in one of Boston’s upper crust neighborhoods, where everyone knows your name, I find Black at Sam’s bar - real name “Palis Royale”. My notes on the name of the bar may have been fudged. It’s very, shall we say “divey”, crawl situated in a neighborhood that probably is not renowed for its lack of stray animals (and by animals I mean roaches mostly, although some of the bar patrons look to fit into the animal category as well). The place is dark and there is an odor, there’s an iPod connected to the stereo system that is providing the tunes for the night, a smashed fake white Christmas tree in a corner (which I learned later Black him self destroyed it and declined to elaborate on it) and an extraordinarily beautiful barkeep, Sam, a Diane Chambers in a room full of cliff clavins. At first I wondered what hidden camera show I’d mistakenly walked on the set of. Then after meeting Sam I figured staying for one drink wouldn’t be so bad.

When I finally meet Black I must admit he is not at all what I expected. Shorter than I heard, unassuming, and looking far younger than his 29 years. He walked into the bar with racing bike in tow, chained it to a stool, sat down and we began.

This is my interview with Photographer/Director Kareem Black from Tuesday December 19, 2006.

Hoshi Sato: Kareem, as a prerequisite to this interview you requested it be, to quote you “different than what I’m usually interviewed about.” So with that said I’ll get right to it. Kareem, your reputation is one of an amazing photographer but there is also a reputation as an arrogant ass with a Napolean complex. What do you think of that?

Kareem Black: (Laughs) Lets do a shot. I’ll answer your question, but a shot is in order first, what are you drinking? This girl behind the bar is the hottest girl in New York City and she’ll make you all the drinks you want for free, as long as you tip her really well at the end, I mean reeeeaaaallllyyyy well. Her bar, her rules. That’s why we call it Sam’s. Instead of Sam Malone, Sam Kim.

That’s a hell of a way to start an interview, I’m totally into it. To answer your question, I have no clue what I think about that. I think my interests in life are generally very humble, to travel, take photographs, make films, watch star trek, play chess, sing karaoke badly and, God willing, every once in a while hang out in the company of a beautiful woman. I feel as though those aspirations aren’t grotesque or Napoleonic in nature. They are normal; they are what I want from my life. I’ve been fortunate to have found something to do as a profession that people seem to think I’m good at and I enjoy doing. Over time my confidence as a photographer and as an artist has grown. I by no means pretend that I’m the worlds best photographer but I’d be lying if I said to you that I’m not interested in having that title as my own one day. To be a legend at what you love? Why not? Why do anything if you don’t aspire to be great at it? What did Seal say? “In a sky full of people only some hope to fly isn’t that crazy? “I do look forward to and enjoy competing with the best in the world. I’m not entirely sure how some see me as this other thing, this arrogant person. What I do know is that I’ve been called those names since before I knew what that meant. So I figure it is something in my natural demeanor…not sure. I’ve heard the craziest shit about me over the years and in a weird way sometimes I feel like Paris Hilton in the tabloids or something, albeit less blonde. Where people have gone out of their way to make up and say certain things that have absolutely no truth to them about me. There is a part of me that finds it flattering that some people invest such emotion in gossipping about someone who they don’t know.

Hoshi Sato: So you wouldn’t consider yourself arrogant?

Kareem Black: I’d consider myself confident in my abilities, but at the same time realistic as to where I stand and what I want in the future. There is a lot more for me to do in this life but I trust my instincts. My friend Bracken says that confidence is often confused with arrogance and I think that she may be right about that one.

Hoshi: Well said, sir. How is it to be a photographer in New York City? You are surrounded by the most stimulating of enviroments with inspiration around every corner but at the same time the life of a freelance photographer can be a difficult proposition, no certitude no steady income, no insurance?

Kareem: I’m from philly originally but I’ve been in New York for eleven years. This is where I belong, especially now. We are in the midst of this renaissance on the level of the one city saw with Basquiat, Warhol, Blondie, and the birth of hip hop in the 80’s, my friends will all tell you that if you get a couple of beers in me I’ll tell you all about it! It’s a very exciting time to be a young New York artist I wouldn’t miss it for the world. As far as the complexities of the freelance lifestyle, I accept them gladly, all of them. I know people who work behind desks and do have a promised steady income and insurance that is supplied by their employer. To me it still seems that’s a vision of hell. I see so many of the people in down town New York circles that I know are the architects of the future, the Jules Kims and the A-Rons, the Matt Salacuses, Kenneth Capellos, David Genslers, Mike Schmellings, Sarah Friedmans, Jonathan Mannions and Brooke Nipars, etc. To be alive at this point and be apart of this, to see and work with the great artists of my time? I wouldn’t trade my life for anything.

Hoshi: So you would suggest a young photographer move to New York in order to persue their art instead of Los Angeles or Tokyo for example?

Kareem: Yes, if you can make it here you can make it anywhere!

Hoshi: Kareem, I’ve followed your career for almost six years. You are 29 now, and turning 30 soon, you are no longer a young gun far from it, to be blunt. How has your outlook changed from that of an industry new comer to a veteran with some years behind the lens?

Kareem: You’ve come into my bar, which is basically my home, and now you insult me (laughing). You wound me, bringing to light my aged and grizzled status!

Hoshi: On the contrary sir, I think that at the root of it I was trying to convey the fact that you have been a professional photographer for some time now and have with much success, survived as such. I meant no disrespect.

Kareem: Indeed, none taken. To answer your question, you’re totally right; I wouldn’t consider myself a “young gun any longer”. I think a photographer stops being that new young hot thing when either he/she hits the late twenties or they shoot their first major ad campaigns, which ever comes first, and I’ve past both those benchmarks. I’m totally cool with moving through my career and getting older as long as both are done gracefully, you know what I mean? As long as there is a learning curve and an upward progression in professional and personal life, I’m fine with it. I mean, if I were 30 and still shooting what I was a few years ago then that would be a problem. Having been able to shoot for major entities like Vitamin Water, Budweiser, Verizon, and Cingular in the last few years has been amazing for me and a sign of growth, I think. I’m shooting a ton of covers now as well which I’m loving, so I think everything is proceeding at pace. Also being able to start exploring directing in a serious way is something that I wasn’t prepared to do artistically or financially a few years ago. You gotta walk before you can run I suppose and I’m happy to be getting up to speed, does that sound dumb?

Hoshi: Not at all. So why don’t you have a photo agent? It seems that’s the industry standard for photographers of your caliber. Is there a reason for this? Do they not like you or you not like them?

Kareem: You know what I’m enjoying most about sitting here with you talking about me? Well obviously it’s the fact that we are sitting here talking about me, but also it’s because you seem to have actually researched me, my work, my reputation and my industry. You’d be surprised how many people don’t seem to do that. I’m loving this! I do believe another shot is appropriate at this juncture!

Now about agents, the answer to your question is complicated. The short answer is that not all photographers need agents especially in this day of mass communication and the net. It used to be that agents and source books were the only way for higher echelon clients to become aware of a photographer. It’s not like that anymore. Now it’s about websites, how much your name appears on a google search and even abstract promotion like Myspace, Youtube and even television. Another thing about agents is this: Historically artists in general but photographers in particular are horrible with money, promotion, negotiations and organizations. This is why most artists even in this age do need agents.

Hoshi: And putting stickers all over New York City with your face on them as Rosie the Riveter and Uncle Sam?

Kareem: Yes and that. To be honest, the sticker and mural self-promo campaign that I did with Matt Salacuse, was the biggest coup ever! EVER!!! It was a simple way to speak to a lot of people, industry and otherwise, and no photographer had taken that route before, to my knowledge. I think we got credit for the simplicity originality and effectiveness of the campaign.

Hoshi: Did you get jobs from it though, I suppose that’s the real question.

Kareem: I think so, it’s really hard to tell though. I mean, everyone knew about the stickers and saw what we were doing and all of a sudden Matt and I were getting phone calls from everywhere. Right now I’m shooting mostly advertising and advertorial stuff. Salacuse too. I think and to make that jump is something that in the past a photographer would need an agent for. So I suppose you could say it did work. I must say that while I think something like this may be new to a photographers self promotion we were inspired by things that we had learned watching the great street artists like ESPO, COST and REVS. Even by the past posters that Andy Warhol and Basquiat would do in the 80’s of them as boxers and what not. Its pop art and popvertisment, bringing your message to everyone using a giant megaphone.

Hoshi: Again, well said sir.

Kareem: Again, thank you ma’am for your kind words.

Hoshi: You know, I must admit that when I was initially assigned to interview you I was hesitant… photographers, especially young male photographers have reputations of being overly appreciated over sexed hard partying arrogant assholes, to be blunt. I have however enjoyed our time here at Sam’s having these drinks with you. I think I have what I need for the piece, is there anything that you’d like to say before we finish?

Kareem: I guess, first thanks for the compliment, um I think. Thanks for taking the time out to sit down and listen to me babble. I hope I was coherent, next time we can talk about my film that I’m directing, which I will take this opportunity to shamelessly plug. It has the working title “Fugato Zeirishi Ninjas.” That may be a mouthful to most, it means Twin Ninja Accountants in Japanese. And that’s what the film is about. These two Ninjas that are CPAs and all they do all day at work is to try and kill each other. It’s really stupid, but I say that with the utmost love and in the vain of absolute self-depreceation. In truth I’m really proud of how it’s coming out and it should  be done by March. It is the most stupendous artistic undertaking I’ve ever embarked upon and I’ve called in just about every favor that I’ve had in reserve. I think my next step in life will be to direct. I feel it is a natural progression from photography as photography was from painting. I look forward to the challenge and cant wait until I can show the world my stupid vision of two accountants chopping each other to bits!

And it was good to meet you ma’am. Let’s do a shot to end this interview the right way. What were you drinking? 

KareemBlack.com