Kenechi Unachukwu

BIOGRAPHY

Kenechi Unachukwu is a freelance photographer currently based in Madison, Wisconsin. Kenechi first was drawn to photography by images documenting the underground bboy (breakdance) battle scene. He began taking photos in that realm in 2017, and has since branched out to street photography, landscapes, and portraits. As he develops his style, Kenechi aims to both tell stories that have not been told, as well as offer a fresh perspective on the things we see daily. 

Embrace, Digital photo, 18 x 12 inches, 2020, $200

ARTIST STATEMENT

The killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis was the catalyst for worldwide protests, and the neighboring state of Wisconsin was no exemption. People from all ages and ethnicities led by young black men and women congregated at the capitol to voice their frustrations about a system that has led to the wrongful death of many black citizens at the hands of the police. Calling for an abolition of the police, the group numbering into the thousands proceeded to take to the streets behind banners stating “Black Lives Matter” and “Community Control Over Police”. Even in the midst of a global pandemic, nothing could stop these people from joining the fight for equality. Names of black people slain by the police echoed in the air. George Floyd. Breonna Taylor. Trayvon Martin. For every name chanted, there are thousands more that we do not know. In this image from the event, a young protest leader embraces his friend who showed up in support of the cause. The young leader shortly went back to the front of the crowd to lead the march.

INSTAGRAM

@kenechi.una

WEBSITE

www.kenechiuna.com