Colour as a celebration of community with photographer, Bernice Mulenga

Bernice Mulenga is a British-Congolese photographer and multidisciplinary artist whose work explores identity, sexuality, and POC storytelling. After years of documenting and ‘hoarding’, their debut 2015 #friendsonfilm series catapulted them into the photography scene, with great success. Now, their photography stands as an archive for their community and the experiences within it. Known for capturing their community through an intimate lens, Bernice has become a conduit through which black queer life in Britain can be accessed and understood. We caught up with Bernice in their South London studio to talk about the influence their Congolese heritage has had on their work, their love of storytelling, and why there is so much beauty in colour.

How do you express yourself through your art?

In a way, simply by putting it out there into the world. I’ve been documenting for a long time and kind of hoarding my work, so it feels good to actually put it out there and give it a new lease of life by printing it, framing it, and talking about it. My work is ever-evolving, ever-expanding, and a big reflection of who I am. There are so many different versions of myself and I love being able to capture and express that through my work.

My work is ever-evolving, ever-expanding, and a big reflection of who I am. There are so many different versions of myself and I love being able to capture and express that through my work. 

Bernice Mulenga

What do you enjoy about your craft?

I enjoy documenting, meeting, and learning things from people. It’s amazing how much insight you get into people’s lives when you photograph them. I love hearing the stories people tell about each other. My craft is a form of storytelling in this way.

How does colour inspire you?

People underestimate colour. I know in photography people love a lot of black and white shots, but I feel like there is so much more beauty in colour. Especially because everyone sees colour in a different way. I might see red as moody and sultry, but someone else might associate it with intensity. Our associations with colour are subjective. That’s its magic. Colour can inform how you’re feeling. Sometimes if I’m feeling down i’ll force myself to wear really bright colours - and it works! It triggers something in the brain that makes you feel good.

People underestimate colour. I know in photography people love a lot of black and white shots, but I feel like there is so much more beauty in colour. \n

Bernice Mulenga

What is the role colour plays in your work? 

If I am shooting, I’m attracted to bright colours. So greens, reds, pinks, blues. Colour creates a vibe and energy and a mood. It sets the tone. I use colour within my work as a kind of starting point. I look for certain pops of colour and that’s how I like to frame my work. I am always interested in what people are wearing. In nature, I’m always looking at the trees and the skies. Everyone knows I’m obsessed with the sky. It always shows different tones, different vibrancies.

Colour creates a vibe, an energy and a mood. It sets the tone.

Bernice Mulenga

How do you express yourself through colour?

I think I best express myself through the colour of my hair or my clothing. I always like to have a pop of colour. I had bright green hair for about 2 years and I feel it really helped boost my mood. When I would wear my outfits, I would start from my hair and that would be my base point for deciding my colour palette. Now that I have shorter hair, I am able to explore a lot more colours and play with tones. It’s such an easy way to brighten up my mood or switch up my style. Again, it’s really part of my culture. We are known for having really eccentric hairstyles with bright colours, interesting cuts or shapes.

How do you feel in the Teal 03 jumpsuit?

I feel comfortable and confident in it. I feel the Teal 03 tone really compliments my skin tone, my space, and also my hair. I’m currently in a pink and green mood, so the teal ties in really nicely. 

Check out Bernice's Instagram and their work on their website.