HOOP DREAMS
Creative Direction & Art Direction
My client sought an editorial exploring identity, duality, and connection within the Black experience. The goal was to create surreal imagery symbolizing unity and opposition while staying rooted in cultural symbolism.
PROBLEM
This project fused regality, anonymity, and Afro-surrealism, reimagining Black excellence beyond tradition. Subjects in elegant suits and ornate masks blurred identity and imagination, while a basketball court anchored the surreal, avant-garde styling in reality.
CREATIVE APPROACH
Suits symbolized power and dignity, while intricate masks introduced mystery and abstraction.
WARDROBE
The basketball court referenced a cultural touchstone while elevating it into a reimagined space.
SET DESIGN
A combination of cinematic and natural lighting enhanced depth and emphasized the colorful subjects.
LIGHTING
Traditional team and family portrait framing was disrupted by surreal elements, shifting expectations.
SYMBOLISM
CREDITS
Creative Direction: Michael Onipede // Creative Assistance: Justice Igunbor // Photography / Lighting: Hope Obadan // Lighting Assistance: Duncan Johnson // Styling: SirdonKay // Styling Assistance: Trish Kennedy // Videography: Ben Appiah // Assistance: Amoebuh // Composite Edits: Mani Olaniyan, Alyvia Luong // Collage: Alyvia Luong // Talent: Jobe Ondijo, Josh Akpan, Temitayo Ojo, David Tchomba, Arsel Kisanga, Raqeeb-Oluwajuwon Afolabi, Eniola Ayodele, Bill-Bradley, Victor Olaniyan, Joshua Sowells, Daniel Edosah, David Edosah, Oluteniola Olawale, Daniel Omojide, Anthony Ugochukwu