Michael Sabuni joined us at Studio Monde for two days of printing at 318 Art Lab. We caught up with him to talk about heritage, wildlife, and the importance of getting lost in the process.

What is the core idea behind the project you worked on during the residency?‍
The theme of this project centres on perspective, intention, and the rediscovery of value in the photographic moment. I want to present wildlife and landscapes through a lens that honours presence, where every frame is deliberate, and every moment is deeply felt.

What made you interested in wildlife?
My family has long been involved in wildlife and conservation, my father is a renowned animal researcher, and his brother, my uncle, was both a veterinarian and a wildlife photographer. I was fortunate to have early, immersive experiences in the natural world, experiences that shaped me at my core.

‍How did working in the studio environment affect your process?
‍Being around more seasoned printers and bouncing our ideas also sharpened my technique and improved the final results. I can’t stress enough how much I appreciated the atmosphere at Studio Monde, people from all walks of life, all generous with their time and insights. It was a safe space to ask anything, to make mistakes and grow.

Was there a moment that shifted your relationship to the work?
There are two moments from that experience that really stand out to me. Firstly, getting completely lost in the process, time just disappeared, at one point I was learning and then I looked up and realised I’d printed nearly 50 images in a single day. Secondly, at the end of the two days, seeing all my finalised prints pinned up. Witnessing how far I’d come and holding my work physically, not just on a screen gave me a new sense of accomplishment.

Have your ideas or images changed since you started the residency?
Initially, I planned to present only my wildlife work. But while printing, I realised I had powerful imagery of community and people from my home country as well. That opened the door to breaking the project into smaller sections, each focusing on different themes.

Is there a specific image from this body of work that you’re particularly proud of?  
‍There are many images I’m proud of, but one that stands out is a portrait of a chimpanzee sitting on a branch. It was such a striking moment, the image carries so much personality and presence. It’s one of those rare frames that just captivates you and bridges the gap between them and us as humans.

What’s next for you and this body of work?
Right now, I’m putting the final touches on the first section of this project for exhibition, and I’ve got a strong sense of where I want to go next. I’m excited to begin sharing the work and forming a community around it, people who resonate with my vision and values. A long term goal of mine is hosting retreats in locations like Tanzania, offering an escape and making these experiences more accessible to those that need it.

—
See more of Michael’s work:
www.michaelsabuni.com
Instagram: @michaelsabuni_ / @sabunishots

‍