mTkalla keaton

SunSpot no.1 ..a self portrait of my inner space …. . . . #bloomandCrown #blackportraiture #blackdigitalart #synthographyartist #mtkallaandtheBots

“Every Black person, in their lifetime, should know what it feels like to be at the center.” ~ mTkalla Keaton Introducing the credo and the captivating synthography works from the imagination of mTkalla Keaton. Where the traditional photographer uses the camera to capture what is in front of him, the Synthographer uses technology and their imagination to visualize concepts into scenes that may not exist in reality…though they eventually do. As is the case in everything Keaton’s ever done, these works celebrate Black identity whilst unapologetically placing Blackness front and center. Amidst gorgeous floral motifs the result is an ever-evolving collection of images that feel both editorial and afro-futuristic in spirit. Proudly, they exist at the Black-female led Gal Victor (Florence, Italy) alongside vintage images of Black men who lived in lesser-technological times; amongst terms that laid the groundwork for everything we believe in - community, collaboration, and self-authorship. Edition of 3 Medium-density fiberboard (MDF), adhesive magnet, wood 12 × 16 in. Signed on verso USD 1,750 DM or email [email protected] to purchase. 📸 @oliviadocuments #SunSpotPortraits #sunspot #blackportraiture #livingartists #afrofutures #synthographs #privatecollection #acquisitionseason #black #female #owned #photographer

last year @oliviadocuments of @galvictorpresents and I had a conversation at a private penthouse party she hosted in NYC (what a blast) … she gave me sometime to discuss my journey with emerging tech and Black Portraiture. This is just a slice of the talk with me getting into my love for the amalgam of Black American and African swagger and how this “SunSpots” series is called SunKrumah as a nod to Black Magnetic energy and Kwame Nkrumah, first president of the Black Star Nation of Ghana .. and .. my Virgo birthday twin. More excerpts to come as she’s included several works from SunKrumah as part of her newest group show titled “Escape” within her massive flat in Florence Italy’s most prestigious squares - Piazza d’Azeglio.

hard to believe it’s been four years since you took flight. easy to believe your day is Earth Day. Always moved through space with the grace of a god. A vision of power, faith & beauty. I’m forever proud to be your son and still feel and honor your presence on this Earth ..while understanding that you are now more. Happy heavenly birthday Mama. And for all of the children..not of your blood that you have raised.. thank you. 💙

What Gal Victor Presents when it combines #melinatedMarch with #womenshistory month… These absolutely stunning images by Artist m’Tkalla Keaton. A man who consistently centers Blackness & Black Women. Having had a cherished friendship for over 30 years, I promise you that this is true. * Edition of 3 Medium-density fiberboard (MDF), adhesive magnet, wood 12 × 16 in. Signed on verso + Certificate of Authenticity USD 1,750 From the series, ‘Mirror…Two Selves, One Body”. Slide 1 Title: Proximum Slide 3 Title: Gemina Slide 4 Title: Aguaria Slide 5 Title: Coals, Thorns, and US * We were really really young when we met. Me especially. 😝 DM to purchase. #firenze #photography #fineart

Soon Come … Spring 26 .. SunSpot relaunch ✊🏿

Museum quality triplex “rented” by us in our glorious Prospect Lefferts. Brooklyn!!! Big love to the team for a job well down.

Last week my brother @osondu_k_thambo_official & i went to see Superman and were tripping off of how fly Mr. Terrific was in the movie.. then we had a blast freestyling superhero names and campaigns for each other. Hanging with your brothers is the best ✊🏿

Are we?

2020 Paris flashback ….📸: @yahzarah

I say I deserve it all. as a result I afford myself such. it all starts in my heart and mind and expands from there. I went to South Africa for a month when my Daddy died in 2019. on part of the journey, my dear bradda @mtkalla of @sunspot.foundation said come stay in my penthouse in Joburg, I said absolutely. when my Momma died in October, he said come stay in my beach house in Port Elizabeth, I said absolutely and went for three weeks in November to @sunspot.foundation . thank you for being a community pillar TK! to South Africa, I traveled with my dear bradda @divinebradley on crutches, with a healing broken ankle…all the way to the continent. then he left after a few days and I made it for the rest of the time, alone in a beautiful home, where I could see Sardinia Bay from my bed, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. grieving, feeling, cuz I deserve it all. I rested, I played, I hired a most wonderful personal assistant who cooked for me everyday and traveled with me about the sweet city of Gqeberha. I made a way, with my ancestors and the Spirit that connects us all, as we always do. there is no thing that stops me. and now that both my parents are together in the ancestral realm, I will always get what I deserve. what I seek, seeks me. all is working in my favor. I walked both my folks into death, holding they hand the whole way…with love and humility, and my big bro @eros_swiss absent of fear…shiiiiiiiii I DESERVE IT ALL. it’s mine. thought I was gone get a house for my Momma and move us to an island, now I will still move to that island and take her with me in my heart. Im living for my Momma and Poppa…all dem who came before me. #ideserveitall #grief #SouthAfrica #cuzmyMommadied

MIRROR EXHIBIT | #OUTTAKES “The MIRROR Exhibit is a celebration of the artistry, culture and history of Black Hair.” -@aggie_hair This July after the closing reception of this amazing exhibit @mtkalla and I had a conversation about the nuances and impact of black culture. During the conversation we had the privilege of being captured by Mark Anthony Benson. This was important to TK as the exhibit existed for a moment in time, but pictures last forever. Thank you Aggie for shining a light on our culture and keeping our rich history and traditions alive with your work. Photos by @mark.anthony.benson at @sunspot.foundation #HairByAggie #theogtheory #sunspotfoundation #blackhair #blackart #photography #portraits