I want to capture and document people’s faces, stories, and moments in time with my camera, as things are rapidly changing. Time is all we have. We just don’t know how much of it. Because in the blink of an eye it will all be gone, and no one will remember what it used to be. That which will never be again…

I have always been captivated by the power of photography as a medium for visual storytelling. Growing up, my mother's photography served as a deep source of inspiration and influence. By the age of 15, I had saved enough money from working in a darkroom to purchase my first camera. It was within the confines of that darkroom where the true magic of photography unfolded before my very eyes. I was absolutely mesmerized by the transformative ability to capture people, their stories, and those ephemeral moments in time. Witnessing images evolve from mere fragments of light and shadow to complete works of art was an enchanting experience. Photography allowed me to freeze fleeting moments, preserving them as cherished memories bathed in the warm amber-red light of the darkroom—slivers of silver on a paper come together and become whole again, something tangible, moments that can be revisited and cherished again and again.

Sade Boyewa El—a Harlem-based multidisciplinary artist working in; photography, printmaking, collage, and installation, draws inspiration from her transnational roots in Sweden and Nigeria. Sade's art, viewed through the lens of a social documentary photographer, delves deep into the rich tapestry of Black life and Black experiences. Her work acts as a catalyst for exploring the often-overlooked facets of these experiences, urging viewers to engage with the concealed beauty within. Through her lens, she unveils the layers of society, inviting viewers to engage with the complex tapestry of human stories.

With a bachelor's degree in Social Psychology of Women, Gender, and the Family from CUNY Baccalaureate for Unique and Interdisciplinary Studies, Sade infuses her art with a profound understanding of human dynamics. Her work has graced exhibitions in both the US and Europe, resonating with diverse audiences.

In 2021, Sade founded FACES OF HARLEM, a non-profit organization dedicated to reshaping public art engagement. This initiative centers on contemporary art and the compelling narrative of visual storytelling, brought to life through public photo exhibitions in Harlem parks. Beyond her art, Sade is a curator, community activist, organizer, and mentor to emerging artists.