True Friendship is ageless, however, there is no doubt that youth breeds a special type of bond.
“YOUTH: Friends and Growth” is a visual project which explores the journey of life with friends, the memorable experiences we create, and how these experiences shape us and ultimately help us grow.
The question on our mind has been “how can we make an image that truly and empathetically reflects the essence and emotional nuances of young friendship?” We sought to find an answer to this question by creating a visual narrative of a cohabitating friend group interacting in several scenarios in and around the flat they share. Our search culminated as a set of tender, affectionate images set in a dreamscape atop the chaos that is Lagos.
Young black men are often pressured to be tough, and measured by yardsticks of toxic masculinity which are harmful to emotional growth in the long run. Our goal for this project is to represent young love among black boys and show black boys around the world that their love is valid, and it is beautiful.
Photography – Ruby Okoro
Style direction by Nezodo & Cosmas
Art Direction & Creative Direction – Headb0rn Studios.
All garments are provided by Maxivive.
Written by Nasir Ahmed.