The We See This Series: Virtual Exhibition presented by Nneka Peters, in collaboration with Littman+White Galleries

“If weeds could grow roots, there would be stories, told of a people that fought for freedom, if rivers ran up hill we would hear, the roar of winds, from the south, we could then feel the oppression in the north, a sorrow that warps around the sun, our time is longer then the oppressors, when our labor is made visible, and history returned, will there be a place for us, and those that came before us, survivors’ of trauma, souls that push movements forward, the undead risen. Those that fear the fight, but understand we walk down roads of marbles, unstable, and intersectional in nature. Where roads lead to pasts that dictate the totality of a future, that could be free, or ‘we just want to be free’, When it comes to invisibility within the Arts, as opposed to visibility, Black life is scarce, and there is a reason. Justice is not in the denial of realities but only in action, meaning Black life in urgent need of justice, visibility, access, opportunities, equity, reparations, love, and freedom.”

Curatorial Quote by Safiyah Maurice in collaboration with Nneka Peters,

The We See This Series, is an ongoing body of work created while in the Covid-19, 2020 quarantine lockdown. It is based on the notion of “turning nothing into something”.

I photographed everyday objects, spaces, moments, and turned them into art. While my work is normally centered around people as subjects I pushed myself creatively to use what was around me in my home. While creating I thought, “What if we can imagine or see a better future for ourselves?” and what if we really don't need more than we already have? I ultimately ask the question,

“What can you do with what you have ? ”

Interview with, Brooklyn, NY based Artist, Nneka Peters

What would you want the audience to know about the work? I would want the audience to know that this work is a result of using the tools that you already have. That you can make something beautiful out of the simple and ordinary. 

What is important about the making process to you? Freedom is important, one of the things that drew me to photography is that I was able to express myself creatively. It’s also important that it’s not forced. I’ve only created a piece when something sparked in the moment. I don’t try to force it or create it from a place of “I must”. I like to take my time and be present. 

What does the work say to us? it says “where can I see myself”, “where can I go”. I may not be where I want to be yet but I can make something out of nothing. 

What has defined your experience in the art world? Knowing who I am fully and being confident in that.

What is your journey and where do you want to go?  My journey has led me to a place of knowing that I’m not limited to one medium. That I can express myself through many forms of art. Really embracing being an Artist and not boxing myself in. I see myself doing traveling exhibitions and more documentary work, finding ways to be sustainable and resourceful. Showing people my process and exploring new techniques.

“I hope this inspires you to find beauty in the everyday. What do you see? ”

Nneka Peters was born in St Andrews, Jamaica in 1992. Having spent her early childhood in the  countryside of Jamaica she grew to appreciate her culture and the simple beauties of life. 

After traveling to the states she began public school and received her first flip phone where her interest in picture taking peaked. Finally receiving her first point and shoot camera, her friends and environment quickly became subjects and the self timer portrait was her go to. While in college she took a photography course that led to her first group show. Nneka then graduated with an associate degree in liberal arts. 

She later dived into the fashion photography scene photographing various events, editorials & test shoots to get her footing. Being self taught has not always been easy and certain doors were not alway easy to get through but her faith in God allowed her to see the bigger picture and to persevere. Surrounded by an ambitious family of hard working men & women she learned early on how to be crafty and tactful, working with what she had. 

Nneka's personal work celebrates her culture and the unique essence of blackness itself. This is also shown through her portraits and assignments, her focus is to always allow the essence of one's story to shine through. Her recent endeavors include advertising + commercial work. Her life experience of making something out of nothing has allowed her to wear various hats when approaching any project, learning how to be resourceful and keeping the vision in mind. This is what also led her to creating the ongoing series “We See This”. Turning everyday moments into art.  Nneka lives and works in Brooklyn, NY.