Ventiko is a prime example of a quintessential artist. Her thoughts are unfiltered, her affection is untamed, and her wiles are unrestricted. Ventiko is an offbeat dynamo, a mercurial visionary, a whirlwind of goddessery. But through it all the photographer manages to keep a coherently artistic lid on her cauldron of inspirational quirk.
Ventiko’s work is somewhat of a far cry from her whimsical persona. While the Brooklyn based photographer may be energetic, there is an uncanny channeling of that energy that goes into making her elaborate masterpieces. Heavily influenced by Baroquen aesthetics, the painstaking process of her works begin long before the photographs are taken.
Every detail, from the draping fabrics to the decaying cow head, are meticulously selected and arranged by Ventiko herself. Exploring themes of life and death (and even postfeminism), her pieces are palpably overwrought and tastefully intricate.
To say that she is an exquisite photographer would be a drastic understatement. Ventiko is a conceptual architect, constructing dreamscapes that speak to our existential core. We took some time to speak to the Indiana native in what turned out to be an intriguing afternoon of laughter, rosebud tea, hummus, and impromptu wardrobe changes.
Akeem is our founder. A writer, poet, curator and profuse sweater, he is responsible for the curatorial direction and overall voice of Quiet Lunch. The Bronx native has read at venues such as the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, KGB Bar, Lovecraft and SHAG–with works published in Palabra Luminosas and LiVE MAG13. He has also curated solo and group exhibitions at numerous galleries in Chelsea, Harlem, Bushwick and Lower Manhattan.