Photographer and filmmaker Tobi Shinobi is a masterful storyteller who intricately weaves powerful narratives through both still photographs and video. Based between Chicago and London, Shinobi’s latest series, Blood on the Leaves, delves into the realm of infrared photography to unveil the unseen and make a poignant statement about the marginalization of people of color, specifically Black individuals.
The series goes beyond mere still images, incorporating cutting-edge technology like artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) to bring Shinobi’s vision to life in a groundbreaking way. Through the use of AI, Shinobi animates his selected imagery, while AR enables viewers to hear his voice after scanning the images with their phones, providing a unique glimpse into his creative process.
The fusion of these innovative creative techniques blurs the boundaries between photography and filmography, mirroring Shinobi’s personal evolution as he delves deeper into the world of filmmaking. Our team at My Modern Met had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with Shinobi and delve into his passion for the visual arts and the inspiration behind Blood on the Leaves. Continue reading for a deeper insight into this transformative project.
Shinobi’s Creative Vision and Inspiration
Shinobi’s love for photography stems from a profound desire to perceive the world through a different lens. For him, photography serves as a means of not only documenting reality but also capturing the hidden nuances within everyday moments. It’s about prompting viewers to pause, reconsider their surroundings, and challenge their perceptions. His work gravitates towards a delicate balance between light and dark, stillness and movement, structure and chaos, with photography serving as the ultimate storytelling tool to unveil unseen narratives.
When it comes to the creative possibilities of infrared photography, Shinobi finds immense joy in its ability to strip away the ordinary and transform it into something otherworldly yet deeply authentic. Infrared photography challenges conventional notions of visibility, shedding light on what lies beyond human perception—a perfect metaphor for the profound stories, histories, and truths that Shinobi explores in his work. In Blood on the Leaves, infrared photography takes on a special significance, flipping the concept of invisibility on its head and compelling viewers to confront the unseen.
The Genesis of Blood on the Leaves
The concept for Blood on the Leaves emerged during a period of deep reflection for Shinobi, catalyzed by the tragic events surrounding George Floyd’s murder. Witnessing the dehumanization and violence faced by individuals who resembled him ignited a profound creative spark within Shinobi. This series, steeped in the tradition of infrared photography, serves as a powerful metaphor for the presence of people of color, particularly Black individuals, who are often overlooked or marginalized.
By removing a filter from his camera and delving into the realm of infrared photography, Shinobi symbolically reveals what the naked eye cannot see—an allegory for the enduring presence of Black individuals in society. The title, inspired by a poignant song referencing “Strange Fruit,” alludes to America’s painful past while collapsing historical timelines to underscore the lingering impact of unresolved injustices.
Shinobi meticulously selected images from his Shinfrared series, leveraging AI to animate them and AR to enhance interactivity, thereby creating a cohesive narrative that transcends traditional boundaries. Each image, characterized by a unique interplay of light and shadow, presence and absence, visibility and erasure, serves as a poignant testament to the enduring spirit of his subjects.
The integration of technology plays a pivotal role in elevating Shinobi’s creative work, enabling him to engage viewers on a deeper level and transcend the limitations of static imagery. Augmented reality, in particular, allows Shinobi to merge photography with motion, sight with sound, and storytelling beyond conventional norms, providing audiences with a more immersive and interactive experience that invites them to step into his creative process.
In conclusion, Blood on the Leaves is a testament to Shinobi’s unwavering commitment to challenging perceptions, sparking meaningful conversations, and fostering empathy through his art. By encouraging viewers to engage with difficult topics in a thoughtful and thought-provoking manner, Shinobi aims to provoke introspection, inspire empathy, and prompt individuals to see the world through a more compassionate lens. Through his innovative use of technology and visual storytelling, Shinobi continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression, inviting audiences to delve deeper into the complexities of history, visibility, and perspective.
