Drill
Lawrence Agyei
Lawrence Agyei's black and white portraits of the South Shore Drill Team, based in Chicago, Illinois, are presented. The South Shore Drill Team uses the performing arts to keep inner-city youth engaged throughout their teenage years, assisting members in achieving their educational and professional objectives while reducing the risks posed by gangs, drugs, and violence. 85% of the participants live in underserved areas with high crime and unemployment rates. The majority of the team's teachers shared the same neighborhoods as the current members when they were young, and they now provide empathy along with advice on overcoming challenges to success.
About the Author
Lawrence Agyei (b. 1990) is a Ghanaian photographer with footprints in Italy, living on Chicago's south side. Through Agyei's use of portraiture, the hidden languages held deep within the body of his subjects find comfort revealing themselves through Agyei's lens. The vibrancy, boldness, the coolness, and subtle textures of his portraits unveiled through Agyei's use of film ensures that their voices will never go unnoticed nor will they be forgotten. And, as long as Agyei has his camera, there will always be a platform for his subjects to speak their truths in the most melodic way. He had the pleasure of working with companies such as Apple, Nordstrom, Teen Vogue, Adobe, Vanity Fair , Studio Magazine and many other brands.