30 JUN 2020 My name is Remi Odunsi, and I’m a professional hair and makeup artist based in New York City. I’m originally from Chicago, Illinois—the Southside of Chicago, to be exact. I’ve been living in NYC for about 8 years now, and I’ve been working in photography and video production for the last 6 years. I create because I value freedom and authenticity. Creating allows me to find myself, be myself and do what I love to do.

The pandemic is teaching me how to sit in uncomfortable spaces. It's taking me back to basics, which I think has been quite the blessing. With regards to the Black Lives Matter movement, it's been absolutely life changing for me. I had to make a choice. I had to choose a side. I got out there and I protested. I used my voice on all my platforms, and I plan to continue doing so. For the first time in my life, I feel like my voice really matters. I think this will very much impact my work in the future. I’ve seen how a sea of individual voices can come together to contribute to change. I’ve found a new sense of agency. I’m now not only an artist—I am an artist, an advocate and an activist.

You know, it’s hard - we’ve been getting so many mixed messages about the pandemic here in the states. I’ve really had to work to let go of a lot of my desires and ask myself, how important is it? I think as a creative, the most important thing for me during this experience has been to just keep creating. Experimentation with different mediums, techniques and textures. Thinking outside the box. So much thought and evolution has occurred. My body is stationary but my mind is free to explore and my hands are constantly moving. Being still is uncomfortable, but I’m growing. Right here at home. So, my tip would be, whatever you do—just keep creating. Now is the time to try new things, make mistakes, fall down, get back up, spread your wings and fly.

I’ve always been super inspired by music, but more so now than ever. I’ve been watching a lot of music documentaries and applying the same principles that go into making a song to creating hair and makeup looks. I think I spent the first 5 years of my career learning the rules, and I'm now exploring new & interesting ways to break them. My best discovery in this process has been the Brian Eno Oblique Strategy cards. You pick up a card when you feel stuck creatively on a project and reflect on what it says. The cards have been surprisingly cool and deep and relevant to both my life and my creativity. Pleasant surprise! Very cool discovery.

I’m really looking forward to the end of this pandemic. Coming out of quarantine, hanging out with friends and getting back to work. Really, really looking forward to it. Excited for this! God Willing.

You can follow me at @remi.mua on instagram; visit my blog or connect for collaboration at bookings@remiodunsimua.com!