Capturing A Legacy

“I wanted to find a niche for myself – I wanted to find a way that I could express myself and make a name for myself.” Hunder has since travelled to the US, capturing the likes of Pharoahe Monch. “He’s my favourite artist to work with of all time, without a doubt! He understands how important photographs are – not only in representing him as an artist, but for the future as well – like that’s the legacy that you leave.”

Hunder turned to Pozible when nearly halfway through the ambitious RISE project. “I realised it was gonna cost about 20 grand. I’m like, ‘Okay, as a creative person, we don’t have just $20,000 lying around,’” she laughs. The site allowed her to engage with the wider hip hop community – and gauge interest. The support she received from artists was especially encouraging. “In the first hour we’d raised a $1000.” Nonetheless, petitioning was a big commitment. “It becomes a full-time job when you’re doing a Pozible campaign.”

RISE depicts Aussie hip hoppers both pioneering and emerging – yet some were more comfortable in front of the lens than others. “You’ve got seasoned campaigners like Bliss N Eso. I had about a 20-minute window with those guys and they’re professionals – they just bring it. Within 20 minutes, you’ve got 50 shots that are usable. Whereas some guys might be newer or just haven’t been in front of the camera – it takes a little bit more to draw that out of them. But I’ve a very relaxed style when I shoot. My style is literally to just hang out and have a chat, walk around – it’s very unstructured.” Snapping Remi, with producers Sensible J and Dutch, was social. “Remi’s one of my closest friends. he’s almost a muse – we shoot so often.” 360 was enjoyable, too. “He’s very easy to work with – a very down-to-earth guy, super lovely.” Allday, with his romantic flowing locks, provided a fun contrast. “We call it the ‘Nirvana shot’ – it’s very rock star!”

RISE debunks negative connotations of ‘skip hop’ with its diversity. And significantly, it celebrates Australia’s oft-neglected femcees – including Queenslander Chelsea Jane, winner of 2013’s Hilltop Hoods Initiative. “I did make a very conscious effort to try to seek out as many as possible – and it was difficult. There are not a huge number who are active. I think the reason is it’s kinda a catch-22 – because there’s not a lot active, then there’s no one for other women to look up to, to say, ‘That’s what I wanna be…’ It’s one of those scenes where it’s male-dominated, but my experience with it has been incredibly friendly. I’ve never had an issue with being a woman around the hip hop scene in Australia at all. I’ve always been judged purely for my work so, from that aspect, it’s been incredibly positive.”

Melbourne rapper Mistress Of Ceremony will join this month’s national RISE launch tour, alongside the likes of Remi and Briggs, with Nate Flagrant lending Hunder his business acumen to put it together. Punters can purchase RISE and have copies signed. And Hunder will photograph her performers. “I’m excited about being on tour finally, because it’s my dream!”