Diversity: Mothers of Colour by Barbra Ayako Guya
The Seema T Grant, sponsored by Ruchika Tulshyan
Diversity is the reality of the world. However, diversity being acknowledged in this world today seems to be a luxury and not so often do we think about the people responsible for bringing it to life. In this category of the PICHA Grant Program, this passionate grantee is using photography to tell the stories that matter to motherhood; the beautiful relationship between those who incubate, birth forth and nurture the seeds of diversity. Here, we introduce Barbra Ayako Guya, our 2022 PICHA recipient of the Seema T Grant on the theme- Diversity; Mothers of colour. This category was graciously sponsored by Ruchika Tulshyan.
Barbra Ayako Guya is an African mother to three beautiful boys based in Nairobi,Kenya. She was named after her paternal grandmother and comes from a long line of strong women. As a quality analyst by day and an artist by life, she explores her creative heart and extends her passion for the arts to the people around her. Her interest in photography began while on a journey to self discovery, coming to understand how she could tell stories, including her own, through pictures.
Barbra believes in integrity and equality. She is a lover of things that spark the mind and strives to have a positive impact in the spaces that she occupies. Up-close with Barbra after she received the news, we asked her a few questions:
Download Barbara's images here
P: What theme did you choose and why?
B: I chose the theme “Diversity; Mothers of Colour” because it resonated with me as an African Mum. I felt I have something to say about this because I live it everyday.
P: What was the first thing you did when you found out you got the Grant?
B: I called my partner to share the good news. I was very excited……did a little dance (smiling broadly :-))
P: What does getting the Grant mean to you?
B: Getting the Grant means a lot to me in terms of being a space to tell my story as a modern African mother. A sort of validation that our story is important….worth telling. Also, it's an opportunity for challenge and growth for me as a photographer.
Download Barbara's images here
P: What is next? Barbara will be shooting her stock photo collection concept for 'Mothers of Colour' in the coming months which will be put up on our website. Follow our page to keep you posted on 'Mothers of Colour' Collection.
About the PICHA Grant Program
At PICHA, we believe that authentic stories can change perceptions, that the visual stock content we provide, can shape the narrative around Africans, and the larger African diaspora.
Started in 2021, The PICHA Grant Program is a space for our community to learn and grow in storytelling while creating visual stock content that resonates with the communities they represent. Learn more about the PICHA Grant Program and this year’s Grant themes.