Welcome back to Bumpkin Files
"You live in the sticks! Do you live on a farm? What’s it like being the only Black girl in the village?"
These were the typical responses I'd receive growing up whenever I disclosed was from Hemel Hempstead. As perplexed I felt after those remarks, it dawned on me how monolithic, and sometimes London-centric Black British storytelling and representation can be. The lack of mainstream representation of rural and smaller communities had resulted in a huge disconnect amongst us all. Stories untold are eventually stories lost. We've seen the whitewashing and erasure of our histories/existence overtime, so it was essential for me to start a cultural platform like this to contribute to the preservation of our collective stories. I believe it's a responsibility as a photographic artist to encourage dialogue and food for thought through the lens.
Bumpkin Files, started off as a small archive project in 2016. From browsing my family photo albums, and searching endlessly online for images from back in the day, I further acknowledged the importance of documenting present day Black Britain. I accepted the responsibility attached to possessing a powerful tool; the camera. I made a vow as a photographer to dedicate part of my craft exploring topics that are nuanced, dismissed and engaging.
After picking up the camera in 2015, the revelation of the power of the camera drove me to create change and participate further with community. The works of Vanley Burke, Gordon Parks, Carrie Mae Weems, Maud Sulter, Ingrid Pollard inspired me to document the communities around me. The stories of my parents growing up in the sticks made me realise the lack of diverse storytelling in mainstream media, and amongst ourselves as Black Brits.
The rich cultural heritage of London still excites me, but I’m also aware how much of our collective history is neglected. Black British culture is still so young; now’s the time for us to not only have the awareness, but to be intentional on how we shape, frame and contribute to the development of Black Britishness.
Since the genesis of the archival project, Bumpkin Files currently contributes to history building through photography, film, consultancy, street marketing billboards, and providing an accessible community resource. We’ve developed our mission to include nuanced topics across the global diaspora. We want this platform to be a place where people be updated with different events and affairs across the country. Bumpkin Files has had industry nods from British Vogue, Nikon, Dazed, Andscape, The Guardian and more. Bumpkin Files is back bigger, stronger and confident in the mission.
Thank you for rocking with us.
Love & Blessings,