PATTA X CLARKS X STACII SAMIDIN EXHIBITION RECAP
On Friday August 23rd, Patta and Clarks released two colourways of the Desert Trek. In light of the collaboration we invited acclaimed documentary photographer Stacii Samidin to travel to Jamaica’s capital city, Kingston in order to capture the ways in which Jamaican communities continue to be a global cultural authority.
A relationship built on admiration for Stacii’s lifework Societies made him
the perfect choice to shoot the project: It naturally fits into what he does.
He doesn’t lose sight of the bigger perspective, always doing all in his
power to make sure the communities he visits are represented right.
Jamaica has been viewed as a major influence to global culture since
its independence from the British Empire in 1962. Its capital city oozes
creativity and breeds innovation. While it may not be an economic powerhouse,
exporting culture created in the streets has been a consistent characteristic
of the island.
With just under 3 million population, Jamaica’s influence punches infinite times
above its small stature. Whether it’s music, fashion, food or language, what’s
adapted in the streets organically spreads out to the rest of the world.
Jamaica’s relationship to Clarks is one of the many examples of its gravitas. Much of Clarks’ cultural weight can be directly linked to Jamaica’s seal of approval, most notably in reggae and dancehall songs. Worn by school kids to grandparents, the various styles are desired across social groups and class divides.
In order to get a more substantial insight into the day to day workings of its society, Stacii closely collaborated with Ledger and Damus: Two main figures of the Vineyard Town community.
They welcomed Stacii and the team like family, introduced them to all layers of the
neighbourhood and stayed conceptually involved throughout the project.
What started with a simple photoshoot, grew into a personal relationship
between everyone involved and will lead to pushing music, artists and culture
for many years to come.
