A landmark photography project
Photography by Weronika Kordonska, Aleks Paluszek, Jenna Kellock & Katie O'Neill
Akse is a French born Graffiti Artist of Vietnamese heritage, based in Manchester since 1997. Akse started painting in 1992 and is a member of the P19 Graffiti Crew. Over the last few years Akse has focused on freehand High-Definition HD photo-realism graffiti portraits. His work around the Manchester always commands people's attention and often reflects the social, political and cultural mood of the city. His highly acclaimed work is featured in other cities including Liverpool and London.
Akse is regularly commissioned to produce permanent artwork for private clients and businesses, but his more high profile murals regularly appear and then disappear from the walls and hoardings around the city
Akse at work in Manchester City Centre
Akse chooses to keep a degree of anonymity, rarely being seen in public without his ventilated mask. But what do we know about him? He lives in Hulme, a family man, a scientist, a thinker, a lover of Breaking Bad and a fan of The Smiths.
SHOOT 1 & 2: Burnage, Manchester
Akse with his controversial Kevin Spacey artwork in Burnage (part of his 'Psychopath' series)... replaced by Uma Thurman as 'Kill Bill'.
Student reflection: Weronika Kordonska
This was definitely a new experience for me, photographing people I don't know made me very nervous at the start of the shoot, but I just pushed past this and made sure I got the best images possible. It's something I definitely enjoyed and was a great opportunity. If I have a chance to photograph another subject for the project, I will certainly have more confidence in my ability.
Aleks, Akse & Weronika
SHOOT 3: Whitworth Street, Manchester City Centre
A tribute to adopted Mancunian, Ariana Grande celebrating her appearance at Pride 2019
SHOOT 4: Mayfield, Manchester
The relocated Ian Curtis (Joy Division) artwork on the side of the Golden Garter
Student reflection: Jenna Kellock
As a massive Joy Division fan, I jumped at the chance to photograph Akse and this iconic mural. Although nervous at first, working with the artist was stress free. Akse was easy going, patient and a pleasure to work with. The most difficult aspect of the shoot was composing the shots to incorporate both the artist and mural. We photographed from both the street and a car park behind Mayfield. Both angles gave different views points, with varying degrees of success.
I am pleased with my final selection, in particular the images which capture both Akse and the incredible Ian Curtis mural in the same shot.
