Kojo Kamau
Capturing the Essence:
Some say photographs
steal the soul, others that
the soul simply is revealed.
- Kojo Kamau / Larry Hamill Photo
By Larry Hamill and Pamela J. Willits
Kojo Kamau grew up on the east side of Columbus, Ohio. As a child, he bought a Kodak Box camera and became enchanted with capturing pictures of his vibrant neighborhood. After graduating from East High School, he took photography courses at the Columbus Art School before enlisting in the Air Force in 1960, where he served as a photographer. Following four years of service, he was hired as a photographer within The Ohio State University’s School of Allied Medical Professions.
Over the years, Kojo visually documented his ever changing neighborhood and the hustle and bustle of downtown Columbus. A collection of his photographs was published in the book, Columbus Remembered.
One of Kojo’s strengths is his ability to capture the “natural human side of people”. From neighborhood barber and renowned woodcutter, Elijah Pierce, to Maya Angelou, Tiger Woods, Muhammed Ali, Gordon Parks and many others, Kojo has lent his gentle dignity to their photographic images.
- Leontyne Price, Ohio Theater, November 17, 1972
- Elijah Pierce, Barber Shop, May 18, 1974
Maya Angelou, The Ohio State University, October 25, 1976
Muhammad Ali, The Ohio State University, January 12, 1979
James Baldwin, The Ohio State University, February 12, 1979
Niki Giovanni, East High School, May 26, 1979
Miles Davis, Ohio Theater, March 23, 1986
Gordon Parks, King Arts Complex, November 14, 1992
Tiger Woods, The Ohio State University, September 24, 1994
Nancy Wilson, King Arts Complex, 2006
For more photos and information about the photographer, see http://www.kojophotos.com.
3 comments
I’m looking at the photos, just before midnight on Oct. 25, which is my b-day. Loving this rag, and the many splendid things herein. Noticed that Kojo’s Maya Angelou photo was taken on my b-day in 1976, I was 20 then, and never thought I would see 53; but here I am. Life is what happens when you least expect it. I don’t remember turning 20, but I will remember this one. I was at that Miles show K. shot. He played most of the show with his back turned to the crowd. I think he’s a Scorpio, too.
[...] and photographers that they believe merit a larger audience. Larry selected Columbus photographers Kojo Kamau and Chas Ray Krider as featured artists for the November-December 2009 [...]
An artist often must be alone to create his/her art. Half the art is imagining one is alone even in a huge crowd.
I would expect that from Miles.
He was always in his world no matter where he was.
A Monk.