It was only last week when Mishaal Gangaram was announced as a part of The Design Indaba Emerging Creative Class of 2022.
Gangaram is an emerging Johannesburg based conceptual photographer, storyteller and self-portraitist — who also happens to be one of my current local favourite photographers.
If you’re plugged into local pop culture, it’s likely that you’ve come across his work — layered portraiture sealed with a mythological finish: the Midas touch.
Within a relatively short period of time, Mishaal has managed to amass an impressive resume of commercial work.
From photographing a range of local celebrities, such as Blxckie, Boity, Money Badoo and Rich Mnisi, there seems to be consistent elements within his photographs that keep them coming back for more.
Portrait of Una Rams.
As the young artist explains during the interview, a lot of the inspiration behind his work emanates from his Gujarati background, following practices of Hinduism, as well as his obsession with Greek mythology, superheroes and world philosophies.
Mishaal wholeheartedly pours himself into his creativity, which I think can be felt when encountering his creative output.
Gangaram and I spoke via a virtual interview, where I gained more insight into the working of his inner world from which he creates, how he transitioned from UCT electrical engineering graduate into photography, being selected as a 2022 Design Indaba Emerging Creative and so tons more.
Would you mind introducing yourself, including a short description of how you got into the profession of photography?
Mishaal Gangaram: My name is Mishaal Gangaram and I am a conceptual photographer and artist who has discovered a new realm of creative expression within my work.
After completing my graduate degree in electrical engineering at UCT, I decided to pursue my passions while allowing my ideas to be driven by a deeper understanding of the “works of creation.”
I embarked on this journey in photography full-time as of April last year, and have collaborated on many projects that have broadened my horizon in the field, working with fashion designers, brands and music artists alike.
My focus on the fashion industry has significantly channelled my creative visual ventures with a different approach — which I now apply to my other photographic arenas — from conceptual product photography, portraiture, editorials, digital art, collage and more. My success has definitely been prevalent through the unique twist I always bring to the table.
My personal projects are inspired by struggles of self-identity and understanding the concerns of mental health. With them, I aim to give my art a story that speaks from the point of view of mine and other unheard voices. This allows my work to be disruptive in nature and a means to cause conversation.
I see that on your Instagram bio you call yourself a “conceptual photographer, storyteller and self-portraitist”. Why this specific niche of photography?
Mishaal Gangaram: I think that a massive degree of my success came from the time I spent by myself during the lockdown in 2020. During that time, I couldn’t shoot anyone or see any of my friends and family because I lived alone, which then led me to rely on shooting myself. I used this opportunity to express my emotions and found it to be an outlet to talk about my mental health.
I also didn’t want to do this in a conventional way, and so I challenged myself with each shoot, through the means of prop making to experimenting on Photoshop. Each shoot was done with the utmost care and intention.
With those self-portrait images, I started getting gigs and the ball kept rolling. This was because of how much people enjoyed the effort I put into the narrative of every shoot I did. It was then that I found this specific niche, through being truly honest and vulnerable with the self.
Nostalgia.
I’m a massive fan of your work and have been following your career for a short while now. You’ve got an impressive body of commercial work under your belt.
How does this all make you feel as an emerging photographer?
Mishaal Gangaram: Honestly, all I can say is that I am eternally grateful for every opportunity and everyone I have met along the way. I cannot count the endless blessings I have received and the beautiful support from the industry.
Having only moved to Joburg after university in early 2020 — with almost no work in my portfolio — to reflect on where I am now, all I can be is grateful.
I think that the mythological aesthetic that flows through your work really sets you apart as a photographer. What inspired this approach to your work?
Mishaal Gangaram: I think it starts with how I grew up. Being a massive superhero geek, a huge fan of Greek mythology and world philosophies, coming from a Gujarati background and following the practices of Hinduism — I can definitely say that my imagination was filled with creation.
Once I had the opportunity to tell my story and the stories of those who allowed me to, I tapped into all these influences, which naturally helped me incorporate a sense of the mythical in my work.
Blxckie for Nike.
What are some of your favourite commercial and personal projects you’ve shot over the span of your career, and why?
Mishaal Gangaram: My all time favourite personal project would be my work titled Son of Midas. This project served as a personal turning point in my inner-self and in my career. It’s a project whose premise stands for something bigger than me and one I agree with.
One of my other favourite [commercial] projects was shooting the Nike Air Max Day 2021 campaign for Hype Magazine. I was given full creative control over the entire project and was able to bring in aspects of my personal project titled Aura into the world of this iconic brand.
Lastly, I am also extremely grateful to have shot some work that went into physical print. This project was for GQ on their November/December 2021 issue covering a spread for Calvin Klein.
Portrait of Money Badoo.
You’ve recently been selected as a 2022 Design Indaba Emerging Creative — congratulations! How does it feel to be selected for this prestigious award?
Mishaal Gangaram: You won’t believe what a crazy full circle moment this is for me!
While I was studying at UCT, completing my degree in Electrical Engineering, I attended the 2018 Design Indaba. At the conference I had the opportunity to engage with the Emerging Creatives of that year.
That moment truly inspired me and made me the creative I am today. Following those conversations and feeling encouraged, I picked up my camera after almost a year of not using it and approached my shoots with a completely different intention.
I started shooting for purpose, and fell in love with the idea of storytelling. I am forever grateful for that moment and have attended every Design Indaba since. To find myself on the other end of the table, still leaves me in awe. Being selected alongside so many amazing creatives, I cannot wait to see what this opportunity holds for me. Who knows what’s in store!
Do You See Me.
What is your take on the metaphorical tug-of-war between digital and print? Do you ever envision your work existing on other mediums, such as zines or even on gallery walls?
Mishaal Gangaram: Funny you should ask this. One of my major goals for 2022 is to move away from a lot of the digital works I have been doing and move into a more [fine art] focused space.
I have been working very hard in the background, building works that I hope to see live in exhibition spaces, works which so personal and beautiful, I don’t even think Instagram is deserving of them.
I want the work to live longer than just a moment. I want the emotions I have put into these photographs to be felt and appreciated as art, rather than just a pretty picture on an algorithm.
What are some of the things you are looking forward to in 2022?
Mishaal Gangaram: One thing I am most excited about, is to be working alongside a beautiful team made up of amazing and talented creatives I’ve met along the way.
Reflecting on the past year and a half, I am proud of what I’ve been capable of achieving by myself. However, with an amazing team by my side, I can only imagine what kind of heights we’d be able to reach. I truly believe together we are stronger.
Lelo Meslani for Nike.
Stormbreaker.
Didi.
Tamara for GQ.
