For my next interview, it’s been an absolute honour speaking with Birmingham-based photographer Dr Pogus Caesar. His incredible career includes his work as a conceptual artist, curator, television producer and director, archivist and writer, but it may be his photography for which Pogus is most renowned. In black and white, he captures key moments and figures across history, images that are as mesmerising as they are incisive. Take a look at his 11 answers!

1. What are you working on at the moment?

At present, I am working on a couple of artworks that reflect my current position - these past months have provided much inspiration. One artwork is entitled Imperfect Wings: 2020, an evolving work eventually completed this year. I used basic household materials: cotton, resin, leather and paint on board. It was then placed outside and nature did the rest. Dimensions 17 x 26 in.

Also, I'm collating a number of archival photographs from the "Schwarz Flaneur" series for a new book.

Prince Joseph: Margarita Island, 1991 © Pogus Caesar/OOM Gallery Archive. All Rights Reserved, DACS/Artimage 2020

2. What's been one of the most memorable moments you captured on camera?

This is a difficult question to answer. I'd like to think that most of the photographs I've taken have been memorable in some way. However, the moment that has effected me most is the 1985 Handsworth Riots, bearing witness and documenting the unfolding situation is something you never forget.

John Akomfrah: Handsworth, Birmingham, UK, 1985 © Pogus Caesar/OOM Gallery Archive. All Rights Reserved 2020

3. Who's been one of the most memorable people you captured on camera?

One of the most memorable people I've photographed is Desmond Tutu, his visit to Birmingham in 1989 really lifted the spirit of those he engaged with.

Desmond Tutu: Birmingham, UK, 1989 © Pogus Caesar/OOM Gallery Archive. All Rights Reserved, DACS/Artimage 2020

4. Why do you think it's important to look back at history?

Looking back into history can undoubtedly reveal long forgotten portals to the present and future.

5. What was one of the first photographs you’ve ever taken?

The first photograph I can recall being proud of was taken during a visit to New York. It featured a giant circular saw digging up the streets. The series, entitled "Instamatic Views of New York", was eventually exhibited at the National Museum of Photography Film and Television, Bradford 1986.

6. When did you realise you were an artist?

Realising that I could create art came early, however It was one of those things you kept to yourself. It was not seen as a viable profession.

7. What's one of your biggest challenges as a photographer?

One of the biggest challenges is when to take a photograph as I still use 35mm film. There are 36 frames with no delete facility.

8. What inspires you to make work?

Inspiration presents itself in a multitude of forms, there are no rules and regulations. Each piece of work produced inspires me to keep pushing and be fearless. The only person to stop you is you! Expanding the mind provides countless creative opportunities.

9. What's been your favourite country to visit?

My favourite country to visit was South Africa, it really opened and expanded my vision like never before.

Within Seconds: Newtown, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2007 © Pogus Caesar/OOM Gallery Archive. All Rights Reserved, DACS/Artimage 2020

10. Where would you love to visit next?

I would like to visit rural China and see what images would be presented to my lens.

11. What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?

There have been numerous pieces of advice given, the one I tell myself is "keep going as you can't turn back the hands of time".

Woman: 1985 © Pogus Caesar/OOM Gallery Archive. All Rights Reserved, DACS/Artimage 2020

Thank you for reading. Stay tuned for more 11 questions with artists, makers and creatives, all coming your way soon. Never miss an issue by subscribing to my mailing list, and in the meantime feel free to take a look at my blog and some of my work as an artist.

Writing

11 questions with Dr Pogus Caesar