The June issue usually gives way to a new 20-something list, featuring models, musicians, actors, illustrators, fashion designers, photographers, artists, architects,... and so much more. The people who are a representation of young society in Belgium, a generation ready to rule our world. In 2020, hence the double number, we’re serving you, hungry hearts, 2 editions of our acclaimed list. That’s right, we’re doubling the number of features, starting a bit earlier. Let us introduce you to the faces you didn't realise you wanted to meet!
Manoe Sunkwa
Illustrator, Ghent
What do we & our readers need to remember about you?
My work is a combination of noble black portraits and delicate but rough pen drawings, in which I question and illustrate the complexity of the relation between identity and ancestry.
What is the (near) future bringing you?
It’s quite unclear, right now I’m allowing myself to create something beautiful by focussing on growth and more exposure.
Which records are you playing most right now?
Baduizm by Erykah Badu and A seat at the table by Solange, both very powerful albums.
What makes your heart go faster these days?
Seeing a new generation of black people all over the world unite and try to change the system.
What are you doing daily at 9 pm/9 am?
At 9 pm during quarantine I’d be eating the food I spent cooking for hours and mostly at 9 am I’d still be sleeping.
What’s your utopia?
A world that doesn’t only revolve around the preferences of the heterosexual white male and in which every human being is treated equally.
What brings you satisfaction?
I love ASMR!
What’s your favourite lockdown Instagram account?
What’s your favourite lockdown book?
I have a weird obsession for atypical cookbooks, From crook to cook by Snoop Dogg is one of my favourites.
How do you keep healthy?
I take a break from social media now and then.
I've been inspired by the abundance of symbolism in paintings of Christian scenes
What’s one of your sources of inspiration that may surprise people?
I've been inspired by the abundance of symbolism in paintings of Christian scenes.
How does the current crisis make you feel?
I have a lot of mixed feelings, I’m lucky that I was in a position to enjoy a paused world for a minute, but I’m also very aware of the fact that I’m privileged to have had support from the government in a blink of an eye, while in reality, our wealth rests on the exploitation of the Congolese population that never received any form of compensation.
What is the latest/future project you are working on?
I’ve created the poster for Dalilla Herman’s play Her(e) which premiered in February at NTGent and now I’m working on this year’s visual identity for Studium Generale Gent.
Who is the person that most influenced you throughout your development in life?
It’s hard to point out one person, I’d rather say African American culture in general, as an Afro-European kid, that was the closest form of representation I got to see on tv.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned lately?
Being in quarantine gave me more insight into the way I have been living my life, it forced me to find my own rhythm and find joy in living more consciously.
Is there anyone in your scene who needs more attention?
I don’t really see myself as being part of any scene, but I'd love to see black creatives, in general, get more attention.
I'd love to see black creatives, in general, get more attention
Comfort food/speciality dish now?
Deep-fried homemade chicken nuggets with a sweet chilli-based sauce. Always.
Lockdown hobby?
Growing plants from cuttings, never thought I’d be doing that, but it’s actually fun and super therapeutic!
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