“Each Subject Brings a Different Culture”: 20-Year-Old Serge-Pacome Koffi Captures Diversity Through Art

November 25, 2020November 25, 2020

“When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.”
— Ansel Adams

This week’s featured artist is Serge Koffi. Serge is a Portrait Photographer whose goal is to capture diversity through his art. “Each subject brings a different culture”, Serge noted when discussing what he loves about his work.

Serge also uses his art to communicate. During a time when the noise of this world can drown out our voices, it can be easy for a young person to feel silenced. Serge states regarding portrait photography, “It’s my form of expression. I feel comfortable when I take photos. I can tell a story and tap into the side of my brain that I usually can’t communicate verbally.”

Originally from Alexandria, a lot of his work is done in Prince William County and its surrounding areas. Serge feels that the Northern Virginia region is one of his favorite places to shoot. The beautiful parks, the landscape, and the many cultural backgrounds that flood the area give him the biggest feeling of satisfaction when it comes to creating portraits. Especially in Prince William County, there is an embracing of culture and diversity that allows an artist like him to be able to tell authentic stories through portraiture.

As we know, this year has been like no other in that the Covid-19 pandemic has caused many entrepreneurs and businesses to have to pivot. Serge has not been immune to this. Like many, Serge has made many adjustments to remain safe. “One of the first things I do is make sure to communicate with each subject regarding what they are looking for and what they need in order to ensure that we can accomplish it while being safe. I do a bit of screening to make sure that both clients and any working with me, haven’t recently been potentially exposed. Face masks are required to be worn by all working with me on the set or in the studio. We ensure that all are, properly distanced and when they arrive at the studio their temperature is checked”.

Even with these measures, Serge notes that his business has taken a hit. “I have had several cancellations, and many major creative projects have been delayed until further notice,” Serge shared. While this has hurt this young entrepreneur financially, he still manages to keep optimistic and hopes that soon he is like many others who will be able to operate fully without the worry of the pandemic.

Serge shares this message to his fellow creative-minded peers. “Regardless of what it is, any form of expression is art. If you can move someone a certain way by an action you do, that is art. Don’t be shy about what you are trying to share or communicate and make it something that is meaningful to you.”