A Conversation with Zacchia: Heritage, Great Taste & Art-Making

Selfie of Zacchia

Zacchia, aka ‘Moorephotos’ is a multidisciplinary artist from London. Having ties in both Jamaica and Guyana, her heritage and amazing taste is reflected within her visual artistry. We met on a call after her work day, at around 5/6pm discussing her journey, influences and where she would like to go next. 

‘Moorephotos’ is a page on instagram I came across in 2022, I was captivated by this starking image of a black woman painted black who I later found out was her mother. From then I have followed their journey and have loved every bit of it. 

Okay so first things first i want to say Thank you! I have loved your work for a while…One thing I have noticed is that you dont have a lot of work on that page? Which I find really interesting. Considering today's age especially with Capitalism and constant production. It feels like you constantly have to be making stuff. That is an indicator of you working and having success and stuff but even still a whole bunch of work. Every piece that you have has quality to it. 

What's your name, where you from, your age and stuff like that? 

My name is Zacchia, I'm 21 and I’m from East London. 

Where are you from in the East? 

The East of East, Barking. When I say East I mean the outskirts. 

This my opinion, I feel like if the TFL goes there, then that's still London. That's what I think at least. I thought you were going to say Newham or something. 

Newham is around the corner. 

What inspired you to start doing photography? 

I was given a camera for a family trip to Guyana and it was the first time I had been since I was five. And it was just capturing that and thinking that I may love photography. From then on, I always had a camera. I kept that camera until 2020. Most of the pictures I have shot have been on that Camera.  

So are you and your family from Guyana? 

Yes, so my mum is Guyanese and my dad is Jamaican. 

You do look like your Guyanese, I was going to guess you were from Trinidad or Guyana. 

Thank you! People dont guess Guyana. I never get Guyana

You know what, I grew up in Lewisham so I grew up around a lot of Carribean people , who were not Jamaican. So because of that I’m a bit more knowledgeable about the ongoings of the Carribean. I would say that. Because a lot of the people I grew up around were Jamaican but not only Jamaican, they could also be from St. Lucia too. 

What do people usually guess? 

I get Jamaican, I dont get Guyanese. 

So do you feel like your heritage influenced your work? 

Yes. There are a few pictures that I have taken and posted that are from Jamaica. I spent a month out there. There is a photo with three children which was in a primary school I worked in for like a week. It was one of the most amazing  experiences I ever had. I took my camera in and I was teaching them how to use it. It was so beautiful just watching them asking ‘take a picture of me’ and I loved it. Their curiosity was insane. Not just about the camera but why I was in the country and what I was doing there. I was in St. Mary at the time, and they just wanted to know so much and I love that. They had so much energy, and the teacher would sometimes tell them, guys bring it down (she laughs). But I love the curiosity of the child. And I was happy that I was able to capture that in the photo, their eyes were so bright. 

My heritage plays a massive part in me creating. I have always grown up around people who ask questions, who are writers, who are just inquisitive minds. Which may not always be creatively but it has always pushed me to discover things. Whether that be through photography or books or films. My dad was a person who every Friday and Sunday we would watch a film. Whether it was from his childhood, or something he saw. My uncle was a massive music  journalist who would always show me new music. Specifically a lot of reggae. I was always surrounded by people who would fill me up with knowledge. 

What were your faviroute films that your dad showed you growing up? 

(she laughs) It depends, my dad loved gangster films. I had to watch ‘The Godfather’.

I mean that's a classic film

But I mean it's three hours long! I had to watch ‘Goodfellas’, ‘Trading Places’ was a big one in our house. ‘Christmas time’, ‘Shotas’. 

Have you seen ‘Paid in full’? 

Friday- 

Arguably one of the best films of all time

Anything you could think of, my dad is an 80s baby. So a lot of 80s to qualify in some sense, can't tell you what it was. ‘Breakfast club’. 

That's an amazing film

Anything with Eddie Murphery 

Like Norbit? 

What were your first interactions with art, as a child? 

Museums. My dad’s a teacher, so a big thing for us on the summer holidays was to go to the museums. And, I never stopped, even when I went to sixth form. I had a friend who told me she had never been to a museum in London and I made it my mission that every wednesday free period we would go to a museum. My understanding of art came throught that. One of the first things I remember was Nelson's column. My dad made me and my brother climb it and look for a black man on it. There are two. I always found it so fascinating because it is in brass, so everything is brown. But to be able to see your own features and recongnise them and be lilke ‘okay that's a black man’. In a sea of white people I’ll never forget that. That was my first interaction with art. It's a scultplure, anything in a Mueseum.

What were your faviroutes to visit? And what are your current faviroute places to go to aswell? 

Okay you started something now (laughing). Growing up, it was the British Mueseum. Now, I love to travel. That is something I love to do. I’m not going to live in this country, God-willing I won't live in this country. Everytime i go to a new city or place I have to go to a Muesum. It's a must, I have to! My faviroute museum is the richcar museum in Amsterdam. The reason why is because there is a certain type of painting that I have never come across before. The name escapes me. The realism in the way they paint. The way they had captured light, I had never seen it like that in my life. The way that they humanised. 

Here our paintings are far from real. They are very artistic. 

I will say though, when it comes to photographers in this country and even within architecture they really breathe in that realism. That brutalistism. I think it has really changed now with the architecture but in the 80s, 90s, early 2000s and you could walk anywhere in this country and not feel like you were going to get punched in the face somewhere it was very raw. 

But it was also a sign of the times. A lot of the time art reflects the time you are living in. If it is a time of political stress or strenght in people you will see that through the art. Or a time of pain you will see that through the art. 

When I went to Amsterdam it was a Rembrandt painting that I came across. I think we have them here but I never really looked at them. The way that all these paintings look is beautiful.

The way they paint black people is beautiful. From them, whenever anyone asks me I always say if you're ever in Amsterdam go to the Rijks Museum. 

Okay, I'm going to note that. I have not been to Amsterdam yet, so I will be noting this down for sure. What about  galleries, do you visit them?

Yes! But to be fair I havent been recently. But I think maybe the Photography gallery there is always some amazing photography to come out of that. There was one year where I got to go to a talk. It was a Chinese photographer/filmmaker and she made a film which was very futuristic. The paintings that she had compiled within the film were just amazing. It was based on an astronaut, and he either goes back in time or forward in time. There is this image of him on the beach and the sun is dawn, the pink is just blinding the sky. 

I really like the Autograph in Shorditch. They have Eileen Pierer and her work is really amazing. But I am going to go to a museum cause I really loved History growing up aswell. 

With your lighting, I have noticed there are a lot of darker elements especially within your recent works. I wanted to know what inspires that use of lighting? What does it convey? 

To be fair that is a good question (she laughs). Two things, I think it comes down to emulating people. I'll be so real. If you like an artist you are going to want to emulate them. One thing about lighting: I have to know how it works. I have got to know how you did that. So recently someone who has been heating up the scene is Gabriel Moses. He plays with contrast really well. I wanted to learn how to do that. 

Another thing is I got a new camera, it's a Fujifilm. Fuji is known for its colour grading and just the way it distributes colour in photos. A lot of the time I would like to shoot in colour and just try it out. But it's about experimenting for the most part. I think I did one recently where I used one light and I was just playing around. A lot of it is experimentation. I’m not always looking for it to look good, I just want to know how it looks. I hope that something happens. I wouldnt say there is a specific method to it or structure because then I’d be lying. It's just playing around, I want to get to the point where I know where to put everything. 

Molly is an amazing photographer and she does a lot of sporting commercials. On TikTok she does a lot of lighting breakdowns. That's the part where I'm like I want to be as good as her. She knows exactly how to light everything, if she wants shadows she can do that. Another girl is Talula, she is sick! All her work, she has a very specific style but the way that she lights people is insane. Every photo eats without fail. It's also become her tail sign, without seeing her name on it you know she shot it. That's where I want to be. 

I read an Interview with Gabriel Moses and he doesnt have a very traditional art background,

so I wanted to know if you had one, or did you just find yourself doing it? 

In some sense I do, I’d say no but I studied it. But even in studying it I dont think I learnt that much. I think you learn by doing. I went to uni for film production and it was phenomenal. But I learnt the most from the people that I met. I didnt necessarily learn from sitting in lectures and how much watts are in this and that. I learnt by watching my peers. There are going to be some sick directors that come out of that uni. It's just seeing how their mind works, and how they articulate their style and that's how I learnt. Who they chose to work with and how they choose to work with them. That's how I have learnt. Simply through the people around me and I think that's how you learn. 

The one thing that I do think worked was Photography at A-level and I learnt how to develop film.

By yourself?!

Yes! My teacher was a massive inspiration to me because she let me do whatever I want. If I had an idea she would ask me, ‘okay how are we going to do this, I got the tools, I have the equipment if you want’. 

Teachers are so important, they can really ignite a fire within you. Push you to pursue a passion that is already within you. 

When you shoot black women, to me they present so direct. As I’m looking at these women I am unable to look away or become distracted because they are so striking in your image making. I wanted to know what is your intention behind this? 

Whenever I shoot a black woman I want you to see them how I see them. As soon as an idea that comes into my mind I know how I want them to look. I also want you to see how they feel. Before they even step on my set, I have a conversation with that person. I want you to feel comfortable here, but I also want you to know the feelings you are showing. Whatever’s coming out when we are taking that picture is what the audience is going to see. Are you happy with it? I'm not neccasatilly directing them, it's more so a conversation between us. 

The last photo shoot I did was for a girl that I didnt know but I was doing a shoot for her last collection for the term. I really liked her work, but I really found the model intriguing. There was four of us in the room, and I would let her move around and we would have conversations inbetween. Once I have seen theyve got something I ask could you do that again. And it's just naturally how they want to be seen too. I’m shooting an emotion they have already let off, not something that I have asked them to do. Any picture that I have shot and thought ‘thats the one’ has been based on that person not me. 

Even the cowboy shoot I did, I wasnt directing her; she took on that role. She decided to do that. I'll put you in the clothes, I will create the scene and how you decide to interpret the scene is up to you. 

There is this communication that you are having with the lens and the model. It's not necessarily about you telling them what to do but you are allowing them to be free in expressing themselves.

Ive already done the work before I got there. I am there to just fuffil the rest of it. I am there to just take the picture. I’ve done the talking to the stylist, I’ve done the talking to the model. Would you be cool with doing this, are questions I ask. After that its now yours, genuinely now it's you. Unless I’m like this isnt really worth it, then I’m directing. But I think people just take on the persona naturally. You have put them in the clothes, you have given them the character. How do you decide to capture that? Any work I do will always be collaborative, itll never just be me. I love having those conversations. I plant the seed, but it's the team who grows it.

That's a word right there! I’m taking that. You might need to add poet to your artistic pursuits. That is so refreshing to hear because i feel like some photographers or creative directors can be so anal. But I think its so cool that you push freedom on set for everyone to express themselves. Everyones creative ideas are welcome. I think that's really cool. 

People are just as passionate as you. The shoot that I am producing now, I met the stylist at another shoot and told her that I love what she does, I want to use this. I sent her the idea and she was already on it, suggesting other people who would be great for the project. I already knew the person beforehand. As soon as I put her in the groupchat she was like ‘I have got this, this, this. I have contacted this person and this person’. I was like great! They want to add to it. Why not let them? Unless their fucking up your set, but i dont think people come with that intention. You should allow them the space to be as creative as you are. They are following the direction that you have created. So they are allowed to have their creativity. I dont understand creating that box because you wouldnt want to be in that box yourself. 

I wanted to discuss another piece of your work. ‘Moving with sound’ the documentary. Now I didnt se it but I read the description and it sounds very interesting. So I wanted to know more about that. Especially now where we are culturally as black people in this country (Britain). I really wanted to know what drove you to create something like that? 

For me it was family. It was actually very difficult to make one. And I havent really shown it to a lot of people. Ive made it. Because it was hard, there is a part of me that wanted it to be more than it is. Also there is a part of me that is very proud that I have made it.I think it needed to be made because it tells the story of people who havent got the chance to share their stories. Great achievements that they have had in their life and not been able to celebrate. Its also quite sad because their not remembered, I want to be able to give them that platform.Theres always someone else’s story, theres so many sides and I was able to document something that I dont think anyone else would get to document.

What was hard about it specifically? 

It was very close to me. Ive learnt my lesson creating something close to you can be very hard because there is a lack of respect that comes with that. Also, it is hard to lead a conversation with people who are your elders and you can ask, but if there is a group of men

occupying that space which is also their to occupy. Because theyre telling their story. Its just hard to navigate that and lead the story to create a narrative which was hard. 

Would you ever put it out or do you want to keep it close to you?

I think I’m going to keep it close to me. I have been thinking about it and I have been going back and forth but I will probably keep it close to me. I’m still proud of it, but it is a tough one. 

When I was reading it, it seemed like one of the themes of it was migration and Black Britishness. What does that mean to you in your present? 

It's a connection to my culture, I'm a third generation black British child. I'm lucky because I have been able to go home over ten times in my lifetime. So I have always had a connection

with home. But having people be able to tell you your story and have people from the older generation tell you that story is important. For me, Black Britishness is keeping that alive because it is very hard to continue living in this country  forgetting where you come from. Then forgetting your roots and then your culture. Having a generation that keeps certain traditions alive is Black Britishness. You dont forget the balck from the British. 

I think it's interesting whats going on right now, so when I saw the description of the documentary I was like I want to understand this. 

What are some other artistic forms and pursuits you are interested in pursuing? 

Directing. I'm actually working on a script right now. Set design has become an outlet aswell. Painting has always been an outlet Ive always painted since young. It changes all the time but at the moment it's been painting. 

Would you ever put out your paintings? 

Yeah! I used to sell them. I recently threw out a bunch. Now I dont think I would sell my paintings anymore. I hope to write more, whether it be on a script level or things I am thinking about. I get very fixated on things and recently I have been fixated on the theatre producton ‘cabaret’. And the difference in the film and production and why its so significant in the time we live in. 

Has writing always been an outlet for you or something that has become one? 

Its always been because I think it's about curiosity. I write when I'm curious, if I dont understand something and I want to, I have to write it out. Whether that be personal or simple questions about life and the way things are. But Ive always written, I used to have a computer in my room so I was always typing away. 

You really have your hands in everything, you really embody art.  Typically people do the one medium and hone in on it. But trying everything and using it as outlets is so cool. 

How is it navigating the photography industry? 

I think it would be easier if I was more consistent. I create when I have a spark of passion. So i dont do it all the time. The industry has given me a lot of opportunities to meet people though and I think that has made it easier to navigate the industry. I dont feel like its easy, or

hard because I havent taken its opportunity to the fullest. 

Why do you say that? 

Because I have always done something else. Photography has been my love but I have always chosen to do something else. And now I’m putting my eggs in that basket but I think it's because I am creating for myself again. I think I have never chosen it wholeheartedly and I think it's because of fear but I know I have a passion and skill for it. It's my craft and I love it. 

I know you have mentioned collecting magazines, how did you get into that? 

My mum was a collector, my mum has books. Anything she can read she has. My mum has always been a big lover of literature. Ive always had magazines around me growing up and books around me too. And I picked up that habit, we would go to Waterstones and I had a habit of picking up three books. She indulged in it. Once I started to make money, that was my thing! I worked in Soho for three years and I was off of berrick street and that was dangerous. So on my break I would pick up records and books. 

Okay so, what are your faviroute books? What are your faviroute records or albums? 

What kind of books, magazines or books? 

Lets do Magazines then we will do novels

Okay so recently, I-D have had a revamp. Absolutely fucking love it. Boy Brother friend and there is an architecture book I love called ‘Apartmento’ and I collect those. Grace World magazines sometimes. I pick up magazines that I find inspiration from and they are not always the same ones. 

Okay novels!

I love Japanese writers!

Me too

People hate this book and I understand why but I love books that leave me satisfied more than anything. I love emotion but more than anything I love to feel with a book. The book is ‘Norwegian Woods’. People hate it and I understand but it was so good. I finished it and I was like damn. I recently read this book called ‘Mongrawl’ which I really enjoyed. Those are my top two at the moment. 

Records, Its minnie ripperton and the background is blue and she has the flowers on her hair (Adventures in Paradise). Then the Isaiah  Jamal trio. Oh my God my brother is going to kill me, my brother pointed out that N.E.R.D samples from there. The song is ‘I love music’. My faviroute record of all time is by Hiayotus Kayote, it's the one with ‘red room’ on it (Mood Valiant 2021). I also love Mulatu Astaske, he is an Ethiopian Jazz artist. I love, I love, I love!

You have good taste

Thank you! I also love Indie Rock aswell. I love good sounds. I love everything. If it sounds good I can get behind it. If I can learn something from it, I'm down. Music has no boundaries, there is always something good somewhere. 

You have great taste overall,  since your parents are such artistic people. Do you feel like they have fostered your artistic taste and pursuit? 

It's so funny because i wouldnt even consider them artistic people at all. 

Really? The way you describe them they sound like such artistic people

Maybe they are, maybe youve shone a light on parents (laughing). I guess they are! But I would put it down to my aunt you know. My aunt was very eclectic with her music. And that gave me my love for music. My love for discovering new music and new things. Just not being afraid of being outside the box. She was very much a person who didnt even know what the box was. And I love that. I had another aunt who again was outside the box, whatever I was interested in she nurtured that. Having a community who nurtures that within you makes a difference. It wasnt just my parents, it was my whole family. 100% , it comes down to community, having a community that supports you makes a difference. 

So what is something, people would never guess about you? 

I longboard (laughing)

Oh my gosh, I wanted to do that so bad!

I hated skateboards, I couldnt do any tricks so I learnt to longboard. I love it, i dont do it much anymore but that was my jam. 

I wanted to do that so bad but I just can't do anything but sit down. Are you into horror? 

Kind of, I can get behind it

Okay so to you, what makes the ultimate perfect horror film? 

I love gore, this sounds bad. I love when people die (laughing). Its a good film when everyone dies, its slightly prolific. But when I'm watching a film, or a horror film and everyone dies I'm like ‘yeah’. 

Are there any horror films you would take reference from? 

Hmm, thats good. You know I dont know. Maybe I need to watch more Horror films. 

Oh so your creating straight from your own brain, you aint taking reference from no one. 

Yeah, Yeah. 

You know what for me, with Horror I like watching people die. But I like when your watching the horror film and it feels like your in the horror film-

I dont want to be in a horror film! Dont put me in it, Ill watch but I dont want to be in it!

Have you seen ‘Us’ its just that feeling

Yeah, I wasnt fucking with that 

I watched that film and I felt like I was there. I dont normally get scared but I was scared. 

Yeah, I didnt look in the mirror for a while, I was like that bitch is looking at me, I'm not doing that!