By: Rebeca Riofrio
Photography : Cem Kaplan
We had the pleasure to visit Nikka Lorak’s Photography Exhibition private members club ‘The Library-St. Martyns Lane’ in London on the 7 July 2016.
Nikka is a fashion photographer whose life is a journey. Literally, Nikka is an experienced traveller whose passion for traveling and cultural discovery brings her to the most exotic spots of the planet.
The exhibition KENYA: BACK TO ROOTS is dedicated to Kenya, one of the most fascinating country from Lorak’s travel diary. The project brings together traditional Kenyan costume and contemporary fashion. Shot in collaboration with 5 fashion and 3 accessories designers, it is a project that reflects cultural pride, strong bond with local traditions andfuture aspirations of Kenyan fashion elite.
Breathtaking sunsets, colourful jungle and endless ocean set an exotic background for strong female characters, that according to Kenyans, are modern power shifters. One of Lorak’s photographs is called ‘Shifted Power’ and depicts that modern Amazon, who, despite of wearing traditionally inspired outfit, steps forward leaving two Masai warriors, a symbol of traditional Kenyan military power, way behind.
Another popular motif in BACK TO ROOTS project is fusion of traditional and modern wear that symbolises Kenyan past and future. ‘No tree can be fruitful without roots’ say Kenyans.True indeed. Kenyan fashion designers create modern wear and accessories drawing inspiration in splendid local nature and colourful national costume, that also include traditional wear of Masai warriors.
If you wish to know more about Nikka and her work see her website.
