KIDS (2020)
The year 2020 marked the 25th anniversary of one of the greatest coming-of-age films of all time. Popular – or not so popular – due to its controversy, KIDS is a drama exploration film released in 1995, directed by Larry Clark and written by Harmony Korine.
Chanté Saunders (she/her), London photographer, took the following images with her friends Mo and Laura Unger during a small gathering. At the time the photos were shot, whilst looking around the room, Chanté recognised how the fashion, setting and even conversations resembled the film KIDS. This series pays homage to the cult film.
We asked what inspired her to get into photography.
Chanté: I don’t actually know. That’s probably the least anticipated answer I could’ve given but it’s honest. I like to play with different characters and just create, whatever art form that may be – Photography just happens to be the medium I use right now.
It’s probably a manifestation of my parents shooting me and practically everything else around me as a kid. That and my early admiration for fashion magazines. Subconsciously, I think my inquisitive nature always sort after photography.
I couldn’t believe I hadn’t seen it and watched it a few times over that week. It felt like one of those Zoe Kravitz “this is important” moments. I just thought it was cool and would be fun to recreate with my friends.
What can you say to those that want to start out but do not know where to start?
Chanté: 1. Allow yourself to be inspired by your surroundings by living in the present moment! Be curious 2. Study the craft and those that have come before you 3. Be patient and kind to yourself, you won’t like everything you create and that’s OK 4. Transfigure your experiences into your work, it makes it personal and gives it life.
To answer your question, start with finding what you like, your style, and your goals. If that’s strenuous, then first rule out what you don’t like.
Finally, we wanted to know how she has been staying creative and motivated during lockdown.
Chanté: I’m a film student so luckily, I’ve had short films to work on nearing the end of lockdown. But before that I guess discovering new music, learning to make my own clothing, cooking, making vision boards, I’m honestly doing anything creative I can think of, and have the resources for. Honourable mention: I also worked on a short lockdown film with Laura and Jassira, that was a highlight of this whole experience so had to slip that in there.
She then told us when she realised that this was a passion of hers.
Chanté: When I recognized its impact: whether that was for myself and how overwhelmingly exhilarating it felt to bring my ideas into fruition, or for my friends, and seeing them equally excited over discussions on what we hope to create together. I have so much to learn but I think my passion for it has longevity.
What made you think about taking pictures of your friends, paying homage to KIDS?
Chanté: So a friend of mine, Laura Unger, who helped on the shoot, had me watch it a year ago and it blew my mind- I knew of both Larry Clark and Harmony Korine but not of ‘Kids’.
What can you say to those that want to start out but do not know where to start?
Chanté: 1.) Allow yourself to be inspired by your surroundings by living in the present moment! Be curious 2.) Study the craft and those that have come before you 3.) Be patient and kind to yourself, you won’t like everything you create and that’s ok 4.) Transfigure your experiences into your work, it makes it personal and gives it life. To answer your question, start with finding what you like, your style, and your goals. If that’s strenuous, then first rule out what you don’t like.
We wanted to finish with asking how she’s been staying creative and motivated during lockdown.
Chanté: I’m a film student so luckily, I’ve had short films to work on nearing the end of lockdown. But before that I guess discovering new music, learning to make my own clothing, cooking, making vision boards, I’m honestly doing anything creative I can think of, and have the resources for. Honourable mentions: I also worked on a short lockdown film with Laura and Jassira, that was a highlight of this whole experience, so I had to slip that in there.
