Portfolio Review: Enmi Yang & Ryan Gale Present "Thinking About You"

Ousmane wears Alyx blazer & pants, Sunni Sunni shoes, & Third Crown rings.
Mairo wears Nanushka dress, Pann shoes, Crescioni earrings & Maslo ring.

We’re back with another installation of our portfolio reviews, putting a spotlight on young creatives of color creative waves in their respective industries and creative impactful work.

This week, we’re chatting with two New York-based artists, 28-year-old photographer Enmi Yang and 29-year-old stylist Ryan Gale who take us through their latest editorial “Thinking About You”: a story of chasing love and intimacy in a crumbling world.

Read more below to learn more about Enmi and Ryan’s work and their latest collaboration, shot exclusively for Neu Neu Digital.

In your own words, describe what you do.
Enmi Yang (EY): I am a visual artist using photography as my main medium. I am currently branching into the video world. Another main focus this year will be debuting my photography journal entitled “Phase”, in New York with my dear friends.

Ryan Gale (RG): I’m a creative of all things fashion. I’m a stylist, editor, and vintage fanatic. I’m also a designer. I’m currently working on my own line of cozy wear for my brand “by colby” which will include an extension of curated vintage items— launching in February.

What’s your sign and what trait from that sign describes you most?
EY: I am a creative, intuitive, empathetic Pisces.

RG: I’m a true Capricorn. I honestly fit all of the characteristics of a Capricorn but I admire my ambition and my ability to be disciplined the most.

Describe home.
EY: Home is where it’s 82°F at the beach with a green juice and ceviche! Home is anywhere with a body of water, nature, sun, earth.

RG: I just moved into a new space at the beginning of the year so I’m currently defining what home looks like for me. But as of now, my home is full of peace, it’s airy, a place for inspiration, it’s green, it smells of florals, fresh linen, and home-cooked meals. It’s filled with beautiful garments and unique items collected from travel.

Ousmane wears Telfar shirt, Third Crown bracelet & ring.
Mairo wears Acne Studios dress & bracelet.

How do you remain connected to your roots?
EY: I am based in Brooklyn, but for the first time in my American life, I finally found a place to call my second home. Brooklyn is my chosen place. I have been establishing my roots for the past two years and I am looking forward to growing, evolving, and manifesting everything I desire in this beautiful city. I do miss my home Jeju Island though. I promised myself that I would go see a body of water every month to ground and center myself. And have kimchi in my fridge at all times.

RG: I currently live in Bed-Stuy and have lived here for about seven years now. My DC roots will always be with me. DC has shaped me in so many ways: it’s influenced my personal style, the way I carry myself and my confidence.

What does the title “Thinking About You” represent?
EY: 2020 was tough on earth: we collectively learned how to navigate through this unprecedented time. “Thinking About You” represents all the love we missed and lost. A kind of love where being there for someone can bring hope when all seems hopeless. A love, finding the stillness and solitude together.

Ousmane wears Theophilio blazer & pants, Sunni Sunni shoes, Third Crown necklace & bracelet.
Mairo wears Angel Chen top and skirt, Acne Studios shoes, Young Frankk earrings, Maslo ring.

Tell me more about the inspiration and process that went into creating these images.
EY: This series was inspired by my dear friend, Ousmane. We met in 2017 in Houston, Texas. I immediately knew he was driven, passionate, kind, and genuine from the get-go. These qualities are a gift. It’s about building a community of like-minded people, uplifting each other, helping one another.

Fast forward to 2020, Ousmane introduced me to Ryan, a truly driven, passionate, kind, and genuinely creative person. [I think] it’s imperative for artists to be in sync when collaborating with other artists. It takes patience in communication, sincere understanding, and having trust in the process. The creative process with Ryan felt like the perfect flow.

RG: I agree. I met Ousman on a film I was working on over the summer. We connected on set and he introduced me to Enmi shortly after. Once I saw Enmi’s work, I knew I had to collaborate with her. Her eye for photography is incredible and we synced instantly.

What do you want viewers to take away from your work?
EY: My desire is that this project will provide an engaging, yet restful pause for the viewer to connect with their inner essence.

RG: I want viewers to be inspired. My wish is for this editorial to have an impact on the culture. The photos are incredible, the landscape is magnificent and was breathtaking in person. Enmi did an amazing job capturing everything in its natural habitat.

Mairo wears Nanushka blazer & shoes, Reike Nen shoes, Young Frankk earrings, Anita Berisha necklace, Third Crown Rings, Maslo Rings.
Ousmane wears Bobby Day suit, Sunni Sunni shoes, Third Crown necklaces.

How do you find joy in such a trying time?
EY: Keeping a Gratitude Journal, therapy, and staying connected to my loved ones.

RG: I’ve found a new love for cooking. I’ve always loved to eat but learning how to make some of my favorite dishes like escovitch fish, macaroni and cheese, and eggplant Rasta pasta brought me so much joy! I’ve been doing a lot of journaling and manifesting as well.

What does self-care look like to you?
EY: Burning my incense, lighting my candle, stretching, dancing, and making fresh pico de gallo, guacamole, fried mushroom & fish tacos with a face mask on.

RG: I’m learning to take more breaks in order to care for myself properly. Self-care for me consists of warm bubble baths, facials, ordering takeout from my favorite restaurant, experimenting with new hairstyles, playing dress-up, and taking selfies.

What does community look like to you?
EY: Beautiful communities I admire in New York are Neu Neu, Burdock Media, Building Black Bed-Stuy, The Cutting Room Floor, One Wonder Organization, Contra Health, The Break, Offshore Agency, The Black Utopia. Each community represents an inspiring, genuine, supportive community to me. I look up to the leaders of these communities, and I am so grateful to witness them taking space, serving, educating, guiding, and representing!

RG: My community is my tribe, which consists of my closest friends, my network, and my family. My community is what keeps me going and keeps me grounded. They inspire me and continue to show up to support me in everything that I do.

How do you keep evolving?
EY: Currently, I am evolving through loving myself more and through the new experiences New York throws at me.

Mairo wears Burberry blazer, shirt & pants, Third Crown necklaces.
Ousmane wears Daily Paper jacket.

RG: Practicing patience, counting my blessings, and being a better person than I was yesterday.

If one song could describe your goals for 2021, which song would you choose?
EY: “New World Coming” by Nina Simone.

RG: “W” by Koffee feat. Gunna