Meet Munk Foo | Performance & Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Munk Foo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Munk, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Naturally I’m spontaneous, at times to a bit of a fault, but I’m a sucker for a “freefall” moment. To do something completely on a whim is totally within my character, if that’s how you want to interpret “risk” doing something “risky” I live for moments like that. Creatively, artists tend to be highly sensitive individuals, and as artists, risk involves a level of vulnerability that some might shy away from, myself included. My work is to be viewed, which is part of the reason that it was created, to speak for itself. I feel as if I have nothing to lose. I remove the notion of “risk” by acknowledging myself as a conduit for the art to move and live. If I feel it “risky” I’ve inserted my ego. I love venturing into different avenues of expression and I’m more intimidated by regret than I am risk.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Art manifests in my life in hella different ways. Expression is tied to my existence, and they intertwine intersect and tangle themselves in ways that’s damn near impossible to describe and even more impossible to separate. I’m not ever not “arting” or “creating”, to ask what sets me apart from others is like asking “what’s so special/unique about your DNA?” It’s difficult to say what I’m most proud of because everything I do is accompanied with a specific sentiment to it along with a critique attached. What I will say I’m most excited about presently, is buying a new camera and creating images (portraits specifically). I’ve been inspired lately and eager to start that work process. Where I am today (professionally) is due to an amalgamation of my experiences since about 2011. No it wasn’t and isn’t easy but it’s the work I’m intended for so I persist. There’s self-doubt and all types of shit that will make you believe you should live small within yourself. I reject that. As multifaceted beings I’m looking for the next way to expand myself, which can explain all of my genres of creation. I’m not always confident about putting myself out there, I have work that has never seen the light of day. So everyday is a journey of learning vulnerability and choosing to bear your soul in that way. If I wanted anything to stick with someone after reading is that I’m not going to stop creating whether someone sees it or not. Up until the last breath I’m going to find a way to breathe!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came into town we’d honestly have a very low-key trip. More tailored than just your run of the mill tourist visit. I’d take them out for pizza to Jacks Pizza & Wings for some specialty pizza, we might make a few rounds through the East Side of Atlanta see a pop-up show. I’d introduce them to the West Side, which is arguably my favorite side of the city. Take them to all the good vegan spots Viva La Vegan, Healthful Essence, Soul Vegetarian, etc. Catch some yoga in the park or a bike ride. My friends are the most exciting people I know. My tribe is eccentric and our range is massive, being in that company makes you up your game.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of my siblings and my chosen family, but the folks I want to highlight are people who don’t necessarily know who I am. In the past year I’ve started to delve into new territory, as far as artistic expressions goes, and drawing inspiration from artists I’ve revered for a long time and those whom I’ve recently discovered alike. This is a dedication to that conglomerate of influence which has given me clarity about the work I want to accomplish and given me pride about the work I’ve already done. I want to dedicate this to Toni Morrison, James Earl Hardy, Essex Hemphill, Stevie Wonder, A Tribe Called Quest, and my nephew Grey. I want to dedicate this to the sunshine after a storm and a cool moon on a hot Florida night. Every piece played a major role in bringing me to this moment.

Instagram: @munkfoo @a.rther

Image Credits
Jamie Hopper, Keamber Pearson, Munk Foo, Albrica Batts