About
Nonstndrd Creative is an artist owned micro press that produces art books, zines, and (2) digital newsletters exclusively featuring work by 2022 Los Angeles Public Library Creator in Residence, Kwasi Boyd-Bouldin.
Contact at kwasi.b (@) nonstndrd.com
What is Nonstndrd Creative?
I created Nonstndrd as a way to get my artwork out into the world on my own terms. I began making small zines and prints over twenty years ago when I worked at a copy shop (Kinko’s) for a few years. As time passed, my skillset as a designer and my work as an artist matured in unison, providing me with the opportunity to blend the two practices in my personal work. From the very start, I designed each iteration of the many websites I’ve owned over the years and laid out every page of the books and zines that I have produced.
The conjunction of these two disciplines into my creative workflow is an essential component of the work I produce. The books and websites that I make do much more than present my work, they have become an extension of the work itself. I create my artwork with distribution in mind, so much so that the printed book or limited edition print are pieces of my artwork in their own right. Refining and reinterpreting this premise is the foundation of Nonstndrd Creative.
Artist Bio
When Kwasi was 2 years of age his family moved from Brooklyn to Los Angeles by train, arriving at Union Station in 1980. Growing up in the Hollywood, Mid-City, and Koreatown areas of the city during the nineties sparked an interest in the visual arts at a young age. As a teenager Kwasi was immersed in the booming skateboard/graffiti scene of the era, which taught him to view the urban landscape (and city life in general) in a new way and underground hip-hop. The death of his father at the age of 19 resulted in him receiving his first real camera, which was a turning point for his trajectory as a creative.
His current practice is multidisciplinary in structure. Documenting neighborhoods in Los Angeles is the core of his photographic practice, using a camera to document neighborhoods and daily life. His artwork has evolved into abstract compositions and figures that use color, line, collage, and shape. In 2017 Kwasi was included on Time Magazine’s list of 12 African American Photographers to Follow, was the lead photographer for the Netflix animation series “City of Ghosts”, and is one of 2 inaugural 2022 Creators in Residence for the Los Angeles Public Library.
Select Publications
The Public Work (2021-2023)
A series of three self published photography zines documenting the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Los Angeles urban landscape.
The Library Zine (2022)
An art book produced as a part of the 2022 residency with the Los Angeles library. Distributed for free through the library, the book featured illustrations of each LAPL branch organized by geographic region.
Secret Schematic (2023)
The first art book designed under the Nonstndrd Creative umbrella. Features paintings and illustrations paired with a parable about the fragmentation and potential reunification of the African diaspora.
Archival Recordings (2024)
A series of 4 printed zines published for paid subscribers of the digital newsletter. Featuring current photography and work from my archive going back 15+ years.
Rap Dreams (2025)
The second Nonstndrd Creative art book, featuring artwork and words exploring the concept of "Rap Dreams" from the early/mid nineties to present day. Due in February 2025.
Select Exhibitions & Residencies
“At Home with City of Ghosts”
September 15, 2023 - December 22, 2023
https://www.dfac.org/exhibit/at-home-with-city-of-ghosts/
Nomadency: Digital Artist-in-Residence
August 2023
Dunedin Fine Art Center | 1143 Michigan Blvd.Dunedin, FL 34698 - USA
2022 Los Angeles Public Library Creator in Residence
https://www.lapl.org/events/exhibits/creators-residence
Creators in Residence Exhibition
October 16th, 2022 - Spring 2023
Los Angeles Central Library | 1630 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90071
“What Will America Be?”, National Gallery of Art
September 13, 2022
Presenter | https://www.nga.gov/calendar/lectures/exhibitions/landscape-photography-climate-crisis.html/2022/09/13/1800
Folk Medic II: Panacea
December 11th, 2021 - February 20th, 2022
Subliminal Projects | 1331 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles 90026
Adobe Creative Residency Community Fund
July 2020 Recipient
