Salim Garcia: Dipped in Realism, Planted in Fantasy
Interview by Levii Wishart
Salim Garcia is an artist with one foot dipped in realism, and the other planted in fantasy; he understands the blend of both to a gorgeous degree. At the forefront of his photographs is diversity and representation, inspired by his childhood and experience as an Afro-Latinx artist in America. Coming in hot after his work was featured in the Sprite/Cam-Kirke curated commercial, 'Dreams Realised', Pure Nowhere was lucky enough to chat with him about Sci-Fi, the commercial, and the American Dream.
Congrats on the Sprite commercial, man — how do you feel? What’s it like reaching an audience that big?
The Sprite commercial was a manifestation of my previous meditations. After the photos aired, it made me realize something. It made me realize that the dream that I am pursuing is much larger than I had imagined. I’ve been experiencing this feeling a lot lately. Things are aligning and my path is being enlightened so I am more aware of my journey. There will be more to come.
I’m glad Sprite didn’t take the Pepsi route with this commercial. Some companies really don’t hit the mark when deciding to support and “amplify” black voices, how do you feel about these big corporations speaking up? Is there a specific way to go about it?
Sprite portrayed a better scene to represent the climate of the situation. I would say they hit it right on the dot with this one. They told real stories and depicted my work alongside my peer’s work in the most realistic manner. It’s necessary for big corporations to speak up and amplify black voices–but they should be aware of their approach.
The voiceover states that “The Black American Dream is the real American Dream”. What is the American Dream for you with this in mind?
My “American Dream,” is a world where I won’t have to wake up to another depressing story of someone that looks like me, a close family member, or a friend on the news or social media. That only brings more negative energy in this world that already has such a negative climate. I want to wake up in a world where everyone can flourish no matter their skin color, age, size, and gender. Once one of us goes down, the balance of the world is thrown off. To bring the balance back, we need to be able to flourish through love–that is the strongest frequency.
How does Atlanta inspire you? What was it like being featured with other Atlanta creatives? Anyone you want to shout out?
Atlanta is a portal. It’s so evident because everyone in the world is looking at it right now. Our culture is influencing many others at the moment. I get inspired everyday because there are so many talented artists that are constantly arising with immaculate work. I’m fortunate enough to call most of these artists my friend. It feels great to flourish with my community. We all deserve the recognition. I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for Sham, Taylor, Travis, and many others–there are too many to name.
How have the past few months changed your approach to art-making? Is there going to be a change to your process after isolation dies down and we begin to go back out into the world?
These past few months have put me to the test. They have made me completely change my approach to my craft. I’ve gone back to my roots and found my love for photography all over again. I feel like Marvin Gaye on his track Falling in Love Again. My approach to my work is going to be greater than ever before.
How have you been creating while isolating/social distancing? I saw you did a social-distancing shoot with Clairo for Averoes clothing (a brand donating 50% of proceeds towards the local Atlanta community affected by COVID-19).
It’s been difficult to create during isolation. I’ve been doing a lot of self-portrait explorations which has led to me discovering more about myself, physically. The shoot with Clairo is a great example of how I’ve been handling shoots lately. I’ve been working on other mediums to help me cope with the times. These mediums include music, filming, & painting.
I love your desire to put people of colour in Sci-Fi situations that you say “reality never seems to put them in”. I’m reminded of that FKA Twigs lyric, “I’ve never seen a hero like me in a sci-fi” — both those words and your images are so evocative, and I absolutely love the intent behind your work. What do you hope to convey with your photographs? Do you think there is a specific way representation needs to be approached in the artistic community, inclusive of film and tv?
I love this interview! With my images, I would like to introduce the topic and open the conversation to incorporating more people of color in Sci-Fi/Fantasy worlds. I don’t think there’s a specific way of representing–only that it be inclusive. I loved watching sci-fi films and anime growing up. In those genres, there isn’t much representation of people that look like me. Nowadays, we’re seeing more of this representation–which is super cool to see.
What started your interest in photography?
My interest started when I was constantly watching films with my family. I always wanted to figure out how these directors were able to evoke such emotion from the audience through a moving image. This interest evolved to me investing in my own camera and photographing my friends in after classes and over the weekend. This was around my junior year of high school. My art teacher would always encourage me to photograph more and more, which I did.
What do you look for when beginning to shoot someone? How do you ensure you get the most out of your subjects?
When I first approach photographing someone, I am always thinking about how I can bring out this model’s prominent features. I am a huge lighting fanatic so I am always working with my own lights to bring out these features and highlight them. My goal is to bring out the model’s story through my lighting and their pose.
What role do you think social media takes in navigating life as a creative? What is your relationship with sharing yourself and your work online?
Social media plays the role of the bridge. It is an intangible bridge that brings all the creatives together so that we can communicate with each other. It also allows us to easily contact brands, editors, and agencies. At first, I wasn’t open with my personal life on social media but as of late I’ve been more open.
What are your biggest inspirations right now? Any books, films, tv, music, artists we should be getting on to?
The Alchemist is a book that I read a while ago and the story still resonates with me. I always lend that book to friends that I think are discovering their path because it helped me when I was lost. I’ve been rewatching Avatar and that story hits every time. I’m a sucker for a storyline that has dynamic character development throughout their journey.
Any future projects we can expect from you soon?
I’m working on a project featuring multiple photographers that will be out soon. Other than that, my biggest project is getting my life together.
Anything else you would like to say to our readers?
Thank you all for taking the time out of your day to read about me and my journey. Now it’s time to create your own. Take this as a sign and utilize it as your stepping stone into developing your own story. Feel free to reach out to me for enlightenment.
