INTERVIEW
September 9, 2020
SPAIN COLLECTIVE
Photography by Aneeka Manku
Interview by Melanie Meggs
Aneeka Manku is a photographer based in England whose work is inspired by the beauty of everyday life. From the land, nature, and architecture, to the people, interactions and the destruction, Aneeka’s photography captures the emotions, simplicity, and stillness of our world. Her subjects are often lone, still and quiet, with color used to express her feelings. In 2019, Aneeka embarked on a journey through Spain, capturing the country’s bright and beautiful landscapes. The result was her series SPAINCOLLECTIVE 2019: a collection of high contrast photos that display a homely, intriguing view of Spain that will leave you in awe. As you explore Aneeka's journey to Valencia, Cuenca and The Pyrenees, be prepared for an immersive experience that will leave you feeling connected to this incredible country.
“Simplicity, feeling and stillness is what best sums up my work. I always feel that there are two captures for each photograph - one is with your eyes and the second with the camera. There is feeling attached to each capture and what you are trying to do is best portray that feeling through your own creative, technical and editorial style. A finished photograph should feel whole, and completely focused on that moment.”
IN CONVERSATION WITH ANEEKA MANKU
THE PICTORIAL LIST: Aneeka please tell us when you started getting interested in photography?
ANEEKA MANKU: I’ve always had a keen interest in photography but didn’t pursue it until very recently, around 1-2 years ago, when my partner gifted me my first DSLR camera. I guess my interest began from a very young age when I would take pictures at family gatherings and on holidays.
TPL: Where do you find your inspiration?
AM: It may be cliche, but inspiration is anywhere and everywhere! Unless I am going out to shoot a specific event or experience, inspiration is usually instigated on daily journeys and ordinary routines. For me, what becomes to be the subject, sparks inspiration by itself.
TPL: Do you have any favourite artists or photographers you would like to share with us, and the reason for their significance?
AM: Quite a few but a couple I would highlight are -
Steve McCurry - I absolutely love his work as it feels very real and true to the people and places captured. The visual outcome is simply beautiful, particularly with use of colour, something with I love to play with in my own photography.
Alexander Bronfer - Bronfer’s work stands out among many for me. His style is simplistically unique, yet each photograph speaks volumes. The finish of his photographs create depth and add to the overall feeling of the image itself.
Others include: Joel Meyerowitz, Raul Canibano and Michael Yamashita.
For me, what becomes to be the subject, sparks inspiration by itself.
TPL: Where is your favourite place to photograph?
AM: I wouldn’t say I have a favourite place to photograph, each experience is different and not be compared.
TPL: Have you ever been involved in the artistic world before photography?
AM: No I haven’t, photography is my first and solely pursued artistic passion…so far!
"When I am not out photographing, I (like to)…
AM: Besides reading and a love for the outdoors, you would find me researching psychology-related topics - another passion which I will be taking one step further by studying for my MSc in Psychology this year. Sometime in the future I would like to incorporate psychology within my photography, working with other collaborators on social and community projects."
