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Read MoreYou can view Ayesha’s digital portfolio here.
Hi Ayesha, what have you been up to since graduation?
After graduating from TGS, I went to New York University, where I received my BFA in Photography & Imaging. Following the pandemic’s onset, I returned to Cape Town, where I completed the last semester of my studies at home. Shortly after graduating, I began looking for photo-related jobs and spent some time assisting in Cape Town and New York. In September 2021, I decided to move to London to expand my connections and see what it’s like working in the creative industry in this city. I currently split my time between freelancing-doing photography jobs for commercial and editorial clients as well as working part-time as head of digital for a fine artist.
2. What has been the most gratifying project you’ve worked on since graduating?
During the lockdown, I sort of fell down a rabbit hole and began delving into the world of NFTs and web3. I was working at an archival organization at the time, and my boss encouraged me to look into how blockchain technology could be used to digitize photography collections and create a historical record for future generations.
As I began learning more about the utility of NFTs, I soon started to share my work via Twitter and learned more about the community. Since then, I have begun working with different DAOs (Decentralised Autonomous Organisations) and have had the opportunity to help curate shows in Dubai, Miami, and Chicago. This has definitely been the most fulfilling part of my work post-graduation, as it’s allowed me to cultivate my photographic practice further while learning more about how this new technology can be used to empower artists typically blocked from the traditional art market and establish creative autonomy as they build their careers.
3. How do you feel your TGS education has benefited you in your photography career?
Being surrounded by so many creative people at TGS definitely inspired me to follow my passion for photography. During my time with the school, I had my camera with me at least 80% of the time and I tried my best to capture all of the experiences we were having during weXplores, day trips, etc.
Classes like New Media pushed me to cultivate a strong narrative, find themes within my artistic practice, and help me look at the world from all angles. In addition to photography, I honed my writing and critical thinking skills, allowing me to become an even better storyteller– a component that people often overlook within photography as a primarily visual medium. Ultimately, I think TGS showed me the value and equal importance of creativity and logic, which gave me the support and motivation to pursue photography full-time.
4. Any advice you’d like to pass on to current and prospective TGS students?
My one piece of advice would be to practice being present. It can be easy to get caught up in the whirlwind that is TGS, but by the end of it, it can seem to have passed you in the blink of an eye. During your time, try to find ways to truly take in the experiences you are having, whether through keeping a journal, taking photos, or just finding moments of stillness throughout the day.