Production company Arts & Sciences has added directing duo Shaniqwa Jarvis and Rajendra Debah, aka Shaniqwa & Raj, to its roster of talent for U.S. representation. At once introspective and expansive, their artistic partnership creates work that explores identity and place in the modern world.
Jarvis hails from Manhattan and attended Parsons School of Design for photography. As a photographer and director, Jarvis is known for combining a contemporary fashion aesthetic with sensitive, emotional portraiture. Debah is a New York-born and Jersey City-based artist and filmmaker whose work explores Caribbean culture and how he bridges his own relationship to America and Europe as a first-generation West Indian.
Jarvis has executed large scale portrait projects and exhibits in London, Tokyo, Los Angeles, and New York and has contributed to publications and brands like The New York Times, AWAY, Riposte, Nike, and PacSun. She is a frequent fashion, photography, and lifestyle commentator, participating in public speaking engagements to inspire youth, women, people of color, and anyone who aspires to create. She co-created Social Studies, a multi-day experience that brings artists and brands together for community driven programming with the goal of empowering and educating the youth. Jarvis has released a range of creative products with companies like Adidas, Converse, SNS, and Supreme, and her first book is a self-titled debut that delves into her photographic archive and combines editorial and personal work spanning two decades.
Debah has created imagery for Lee Fields, Pharaoh Sanders, and Barrington Levy and has worked on commercial projects for brands such as The James Hotel Group, Converse, and Timberland. His short film Ballers Eve is an account of the long-running East Village Southern rap radio show that many credit as the catalyst for online radio. Debah is currently working on a new short film loosely based on Trinidadian author, VS Naipaul.
Debah and Jarvis have collaborated on several film and photo projects for companies such as The David Lynch Foundation, Supreme, Nike, Adidas, Puma, Timberland, The North Face, and LVMH. They have recently shown their project RITUALS with The Metier Group at Miami Basel and at the HVW8 Art & Design Gallery for Frieze LA. RITUALS is a visceral exploration of blood family, chosen relationships, and the rituals that preserve and highlight the importance of our humanity, all while portraying a harmonious and positive image of real black family life.
“Shaniqwa and Raj have such a vivid quality to their work, optimistic and authentic,” said Mal Ward, managing director of Arts & Sciences. “The power of their pieces, the strength of their artistic voice, is a wonderful addition to our roster. We’re eager to pair them with outstanding opportunities with our advertising and brand partners.”
“Arts & Sciences is known for the caliber of their talent and the work they produce,” said Jarvis. “ We’re really happy to join their team and continue to amplify diversity through our art.”
“We can’t wait to jump in and collaborate with new partners and brands,” adds Debah. “We’re ready to challenge the status quo, break through barriers, and inspire the younger generation to appreciate that the sky’s the limit, all while doing what we love to do the most.”
This is the first commercial representation for the directing pair.
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