A few summers ago, I had one of those magical nights at the Mino Art Center in Antwerp. You know when you meet someone, and it just feels meant to be? That’s exactly how it was when I met Viva, a South African artist from Johannesburg.
We started chatting, and it turned out we had so much in common—our love for art, creativity, and the simple joy of being alive. I was actually about to head to South Africa for work, so meeting Viva felt like perfect timing, almost like the universe nudging me toward him. But that’s a whole other story!
Our connection was instant, and as we shared stories and ideas, I couldn’t shake the idea of photographing Viva in his own creative space. Capturing artists in their ateliers has always been one of my favorite things. There’s something so raw and beautiful about seeing someone in their element, surrounded by the very pieces of themselves they put into their work. I knew I had to do this with Viva—it felt like a collaboration we were both meant to dive into.
Over a year passed since that first meeting, and by then, our friendship had only grown stronger. One day, he invited me over to his place in Antwerp, where he’d set up his own studio. Walking into his space, I could immediately feel his vibe.
His atelier had that same electric energy I’d felt that first night at Mino, but amplified. The walls were covered in bold colors, abstract shapes, and textures that reminded me of Basquiat, an artist who has inspired both of us. We let that spirit guide our time together, letting creativity just flow naturally, without any plan. It was pure, honest, and such a thrill.
If you don’t know Viva yet, you really should. He’s an amazing artist who uses his work to talk about mental health, drawing from his own experiences of struggle and transformation. His pieces are full of life and raw emotion—they tell his story in a way that’s both powerful and beautifully real.
Through his art, he opens up about topics many find hard to discuss, and he does it with such courage and color.
The photos we created that day feel like glimpses into Viva’s world and his journey. I hope these photos capture even a piece of his incredible energy and his inspiring take on life and art.
So, here they are! Enjoy these shots from our afternoon in Antwerp, and I hope you feel some of the magic that filled that day.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alizée CCM is an adventure junkie who loves to drive to new and familiar places in the spirit of learning and discovery. She's a portrait and art photographer based in Antwerp, with a love for humans, jewelry, tea, fashion, psychology, and so much more... Besides photography, she writes and delves in the world of film.
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