Taiye Omokore Set to Launch Debut Photography Monograph “My Story In Red”

There’s something about the colour red—passion, strength, longing—it’s hard to miss how it speaks to the deepest parts of us. In Taiye Omokore’s My Story in Red, the colour does more than catch your eye; it tells a story. It’s a thread connecting past and present, tradition and reinvention, Nigeria and Wales.

Now, this story is coming to life in a new way. Taiye’s first monograph, My Story in Red, officially releases on February 7th, bringing his visual pieces to audiences worldwide. Available on Amazon, the book explores themes of identity, heritage, and belonging through striking photography and deeply personal storytelling.

To mark the release, Taiye is hosting a free-entry launch event that evening at The Sustainable Studio (7 PM – 10 PM), where guests can get their hands on limited signed copies. With a limited venue capacity, securing a ticket early is essential.

Curious to know more about the inspiration and heart behind this stunning project, I sat down with Taiye for a conversation. From his creative process to what red means to him, the Black History Wales award-winning artist bares it all:

My Story in Red feels so personal yet universal. What made you choose red as the central theme, and how does it tie into your story?

Red, to me, isn’t just a colour—it’s a spectrum of emotions and experiences that resonate deeply with life itself. In Nigerian culture, red symbolises love, celebration, and vitality, while in Wales, it stands for strength, resilience, and passion, as seen in the Welsh dragon. It became a unifying thread, tying together two cultures that have shaped my identity.

On a personal level, red mirrors pivotal moments in my life: the love of my family, the courage it took to leave my homeland, and the longing that comes with being far from loved ones. It represents my journey as an immigrant, navigating the delicate balance between preserving my heritage and embracing a new world.  It encapsulates the shared human experience—love, loss, and belonging—making the project both personal and universal.

Your work captures the journey of belonging and identity so beautifully. How has moving from Nigeria to Wales shaped this project and your perspective as an artist?

Growing up in Idofin, Nigeria, I was steeped in the traditions of my community, learning to appreciate the language, culture, and way of life. This foundation made me deeply connected to my roots and gave me a sense of self-awareness. Moving to Wales in 2022 was both a challenge and an opportunity—it expanded my world and inspired me to explore how culture evolves in new settings.

I realised that while I was learning about Wales, I was also carrying untold stories of my community, especially within the Black population here. My Story in Red became a way to bridge my experiences as a Nigerian and as a resident of Wales. By relating my story to cultural elements like the gele and filá, and connecting these symbols with the lived experiences of Black Welsh people, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the power of storytelling and the universality of resilience.

I noticed the models all have something red in their outfits, especially on their heads. What’s the meaning behind that choice, and how does it connect to the bigger story you’re telling?

The red elements, particularly the gele and filá, are deliberate choices. They represent a thread to my Nigerian heritage and the pride of identity. In Nigerian culture, these headpieces are worn for significant occasions, symbolising respect, tradition, and a celebration of life.

In My Story in Red, these elements also serve as metaphors for carrying one’s culture into new spaces. They’re visually striking but deeply personal, connecting the models—often representing Black Welsh people of African heritage—to a larger narrative of cultural preservation and adaptation. The headpieces ground the work in tradition while allowing the subjects to tell contemporary stories of identity and belonging.

You’ve merged two cultures in this project—your Nigerian heritage and your life in Wales. Was that challenging to bring together visually, and what do you think makes the connection between them so special?

Bringing these two cultures together was a rewarding challenge. Visually, it required finding the right balance between honouring the past and embracing the present. I leaned into symbols that hold deep meaning in both cultures—like the colour red, which ties Nigeria’s celebratory essence to Wales’ strength and resilience.

The connection between these cultures lies in their shared stories of pride, community, and perseverance. Wales’ history of fighting for its identity mirrors the experiences of many Nigerians, especially immigrants who strive to maintain their heritage while navigating a new environment. This shared strength makes the connection between the two cultures incredibly powerful and special.

Your mother’s gele plays such a big role in your story. Can you tell us more about that memory and why it became such an important part of this project?

One of my earliest memories is of my mother wrapping her gele with such pride and precision. It wasn’t just an accessory; it was a statement of her strength, grace, and resilience. A photograph of her from 1999, holding my twin sibling and me as newborns, dressed in her elegant gele, has become an anchor for my identity.

That memory reminds me of the sacrifices she made and the beauty she carried in her culture. Including the gele in My Story in Red was my way of paying homage to her and to all the women who carry their heritage with such pride and dignity. It’s a symbol of the strength we draw from our past, even as we chart new paths.

A lot of your work focuses on telling the stories of immigrants. What’s one thing you’ve learned from those stories, and how did it inspire this series?

The stories of immigrants are filled with resilience, sacrifice, and a longing for connection. One lesson I’ve learned is the importance of preserving one’s culture while adapting to a new world. These stories are often untold, yet they shape the communities we live in.

This inspired My Story in Red because I wanted to create a visual narrative that celebrates these journeys. It’s about making immigrants feel seen, recognized, and valued. Whether through personal experiences or commissioned projects, I’ve come to understand the power of photography in amplifying these voices and inspiring conversations about identity and belonging.

You shot some of the images at the St Fagans Museum, which is a historic site. How did that location add to the story you’re trying to tell?

St Fagans Museum is a treasure trove of Welsh history, and using it as a backdrop allowed me to weave the narratives of past and present. For instance, capturing Tara in Llys Llwelyn, a reconstructed 13th-century royal court, reimagined her as a princess, blending her Nigerian heritage with the rich history of Wales.

The museum’s landscapes and structures provided a physical space where the intersection of cultures could come alive. It’s a place that holds stories of resilience and adaptation, making it the perfect setting for a project about belonging and identity.

Your photos highlight Nigerian traditions while blending them with modern life in Wales. How do you keep the balance between showing the past and reflecting the present?

The balance comes naturally when I stay true to the stories I’m telling. I focus on universal themes like family, love, and resilience, which transcend time. For instance, using traditional Nigerian attire like the gele and filá roots the work in the past, while placing these symbols in contemporary Welsh settings ties them to the present. It’s about honoring the essence of tradition while reflecting its evolution in new contexts.

Your project celebrates Nigerian culture while also speaking to people who’ve never been to Nigeria. What do you hope Nigerians in the diaspora feel when they see this work?

I want Nigerians in the diaspora to feel a sense of home and pride when they see this work. Whether it’s the vibrant colours, the traditional attire, or the cultural symbols, I hope it evokes memories of where they come from while showing that their heritage remains alive and relevant, even in a different part of the world.

You’ve achieved so much already, with features in Vogue and exhibitions around the world. How do you see “My Story in Red” contributing to conversations about identity and culture in today’s world

“My Story in Red” contributes to conversations about identity by emphasizing the importance of visibility and representation. For Wales, in particular, it highlights the stories of Black communities that are often overlooked, showing their resilience and contributions. On a global scale, it serves as a reminder that identity is complex and layered, shaped by both heritage and environment. I hope the project inspires empathy, connection, and a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity.

You’ve mentioned that red symbolises both love and longing for you. Is there a particular moment or memory that solidified this connection for you

Leaving my family behind in Nigeria solidified this connection. I love my family deeply, and being far away from them fills me with longing. My twin sister, in particular, represents this duality—she’s my other half, and not being able to feel her presence daily is a constant ache. Red encapsulates these emotions perfectly—love, longing, and the strength it takes to carry on.

Photography is such a personal medium. Do you ever find it challenging to balance telling your own story with capturing the stories of others

Not at all. I’m deeply invested in listening to people’s stories and understanding their journeys. When someone opens up and expresses themselves fully, it allows me to tell their story authentically. While my work is personal, it’s also collaborative. The balance comes from respecting their narratives while weaving in my own perspective as an observer and participant.

If someone could only see one image from “My Story in Red,” which one would you choose, and why does it feel the most significant to you?

I would choose the cover image of Tara standing on the podium with the Welsh dragon in the background. It’s a powerful visual that encapsulates the entire project’s themes of identity, belonging, and cultural connection. If I had to pick another, it would be the photograph of the twins—it resonates deeply with my personal story as a twin and reflects the bond and emotional complexity that come with shared identity.

Read more Art and Culture stories from KLATMAG

Get tickets to the My Story in Red Book Launch

Photography: Taiye Omokore

Written: Angel Joanne Okonkwo

Featuring: Tara Jones, Soraia Robalo, Bedwell Simon, Bedwell Peter, Bradley Ayisi, DJ Timi, Prince.C.Loveday, Jiggy, Abby Saho, Rukky Omonisa, Enoch Oladoja, Elise Gyphion, Tega Femini

Styling: Chief Kikem, Marcy Webbe, Taiye Omokore

Gele & Makeup: Roselyn Adesola @rhoziegold

Fila: Mafimisebi Obatobilola @teestyles

Assisted by Laurine Johnson