'Speaking of the Arts': Artemus Jenkins

Artemus Jenkins is a photographer and filmmaker living in Atlanta. He calls his work “experimental ethnography,” creating portraits and documentary films of people from his own and other cultures. Jenkins also creates illustrations and drawings.

Tracing his artistic origins, Jenkins says, “You know, the Ninja Turtles had a strong chokehold on children in the late ’80s and early ’90s. They were my original muses.” Evolving a drawing style, his preference for portraiture and capturing human stories emerged over the years.

Although tested by recent rising housing prices, he says, Atlanta is “such a fluid place” to be an artist. “You can go through a few different phases, work them out, and actually come out with something successful,” Jenkins says.