“To Keep It Funky I Took off the T.”

L.A. based photographer lloydtheabstrac shares the portraits of his favorite New Yorkers – and Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold as a special guest. “We all feed off each other when it comes to creating art. I think it’s a beautiful thing, the way we execute ideas.”

Photos by lloydtheabstrac

lloydtheabstrac

NOUVEAU YORK: You’ve been based in New York but I just heard you’re moving to LA? What drives you to California in the middle of a pandemic?

LLOYDTHEABSTRAC: Wow. Okay, this has been one hell of a journey to say the least! I lived in NYC for about four years and a year or so prior I moved back to Houston to prepare for Los Angeles. Once I got myself together I hopped in my car and went on a solo road trip. It was about a 21 hour drive. I did a lot of reflecting. I enjoyed every moment of it.

NY: Do you feel rooted in a specific city or the city where you live does not really matter?

L: I like to say I’m ubiquitous. I go where my heart pulls me. I’m somewhat of a nomad to be honest. It doesn’t matter where I am. As long as I’m safe and can produce work, I’m fine.

Jalen

Reza

Alvin

Marques Martin

“I felt like it was up to me to take great images of my family.”

NY: I believe all the pictures that you selected have been shot in Brooklyn. They feature models and artists and friends of yours. Do you consider them as “New York people”?

L: The majority of the photos selected except for one was shot in Brooklyn. I wouldn’t consider them New York people but they definitely are New Yorkers. It takes a special kind of person to handle NYC. Dealing with MTA, running the streets. I consider myself a New Yorker even though I'm from Texas.

NY: Tell us about the first photos that made you want to become a photographer.

L: It started before I was ten. I would always be the one grabbing for the camera. I felt like it was up to me to take great images of my family. To the point I’m in no family portraits growing up because I’m the one taking them [Laughs].

NY: Why ‘the abstrac’? Is it a direct reference to Q-Tip?

L: Ah you caught that. I'm surprised. Really. Very rare when someone recognizes it. I’m paying homage to Q-Tip from A Tribe Called Quest. When I thought of my name, I reached out to him via Twitter DM and he gave me the blessing. To keep it funky I took off the “t”. He’s actually one of the people who inspires me to do me by any means.

NY: Would you describe your own sensibility as ‘abstract’?

L: My work is abstract indeed. I don’t think it’s someone capable of capturing a subject the way I do. To the reader, if you’re confused, reread that and understand that is coming from a place of love.

Adekunle Gold

“Houston made me but NYC is the place that molded me into who I am today.” 

NY: Three people that you shot are close friends: the models Reza and Jalen and the artist Marques Martin. Has living here in NYC been a productive and creative time for the 4 of you?

L: Jalen, Shane (Reza), Ques and Alvin are all some of my good good friends. We all feed off each other when it comes to creating art. I think it’s a beautiful thing, the way we execute ideas.

NY: Tell us about that shoot with Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold.

L: I had the opportunity to work with Adekunle Gold for his album. He’s pretty cool. I didn’t know how much of an impact he had in Nigeria until one of my close friends called me screaming ‘cause she loves him!

NY: You were born and raised in Houston. What influence did it have on your work?

L: Houston is one of most influential places to be born out of. I came out of the womb embracing the culture. Houston made me but NYC is the place that molded me into who I am today. Don’t get me wrong, the South definitely made a major impact in my life. From the chopped and screwed music, to the good ole’ fried chicken with barbecue sauce. The southern hospitality is unmatched. It's very nostalgic whenever I go back. Houston always reminds me of how far I’ve come and far I have to go.

lloydtheabstrac