Passion & Power – Sophie Kinya

“One of the greatest problems of history is that the concept of love and power have usually been contrasted as opposites, polar opposites, so that love is identified with a resignation of power and power with a denial of love.” – Martin Luther King, 1967

The concept of Love and Power inspired this project; can Love and Power successfully exist together? The whole idea was how can we showcase the coexistence of these two phenomena in a photograph. Red represents love and black represents power.

Love and Power can be connected in various ways and yet they can be disconnected in various ways. Love fosters empathy; it is vulnerable, respectful and affectionate. On the other hand power is controlling, and intimidating and could be over protective.

The coexistence of love and power in any form of relationship depends on how power is understood, used or shared. It requires commitment, openness, flexibility and respect. Power and love can flourish together by creating a space where both parties feel empowered and acknowledged.

Case in point, when one party in a relationship holds more power, – be it money, status, a strong personality, beauty, etc – they can use this power to nurture and uplift their loved one. When power is used to manipulate, control, or dominate, it undermines the foundation of love.

So yes, they can! If all parties understand these principles.

Sophie Kinya is a creative director and fashion designer based in Nairobi Kenya. She has a background in fashion design as it was her major in university. She uses fashion to tell impactful stories that are inspired by her experiences, experiences of others, and her observations as someone from Africa. Her projects are usually centered around a story. The story is what guides the design, the creative direction, and the overall outcome of the project. Editorial concepts to her are like a beautiful but rigorous journey; from the conceptualization process, moodboard, design process, and the final execution. A journey that she enjoys more than anything. Her latest project, Passion & Power was much the same and so far it is the one whose story has the greatest meaning to her.

Credits:
Concept, Creative Direction, Designs: Sophie Kinya
Photographer: Kibe Nduni
Makeup Artist: Victorious Gatwiri
Makeup Assistant: @enzellarts
Passion: Esther Hope
Power: Love Joy
Space: The Photo House