Garland, TX — Nestled in low-profile modern leather chairs tucked across from the large brewing vats at Lakewood Brewing Company, I sat across from Inyang Essien, an award-winning fine arts photographer whose passion for her craft has deep roots in the community.
Growing up in Garland, Inyang attended North Garland High School, where her interest in photography began to flourish. “My dad was a photographer back in his day, and he had an incredible collection of cameras,” she shared. Under his guidance, Inyang honed her skills, becoming the family historian. “I always had a camera of some sort and started taking pictures for events,” she explained.
As she gained experience, Inyang’s artistic vision evolved. Inspired by J. D. ‘Okhai Ojeikere’s photographic series documenting women’s hairstyles in Nigeria, she discovered the powerful connection between hair and identity.
“Hair is tied to identity. You can tell so many different things about a person just by looking at their hair.”
Inyang essien
Her current work centers around Sacred Seeds, a profound multimedia exploration that delves into the cultural technologies embedded in Black history and their relevance today. The striking portraits of African threaded hairstyles, such as those in the Idet project, paired with vibrant patterned fabrics, accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of Yoruba storytelling and Capoeira drums, Sacred Seeds challenges the notion that indigenous cultures are “primitive” and incapable of understanding STEM concepts. The project draws on the fields of ethnomathematics and ethnocomputing, revealing that the mathematical and technological foundations of these cultures are deeply rooted in their traditional practices.
Inyang is actively participating in two group exhibitions: one at the African-American Museum in Dallas and another at the Arts Center Waco, which explores the meaning of hair in Black culture. “It’s inspiring to be part of such a diverse array of work alongside profound artists,” she noted.
Looking ahead, Inyang has a vision for her art. She is continuing to build on Sacred Seeds, “This project is a love note to my culture,” she explained. Inyang also aims to incorporate new media into her work, particularly visualizing the intricate rhythms of traditional drums and their spiritual significance within African cultures.
During our conversation, she shared her surprise at how much Garland has evolved since she moved away, particularly in the art scene. Garland is poised to continue nurturing the arts, and I look forward to seeing this vibrant melting pot create even more delightful experiences.
With upcoming exhibitions and new projects on the horizon, her journey in fine arts photography promises to inspire many. To follow her work, you can find her on Instagram at @YangVisuals and visit her website at InyangEssien.com for updates on future projects and exhibitions.
