Phillis Kwentoh is a Nigerian American multidisciplinary art director and portrait photographer based between New York City and the Caribbean. With over 15 years of experience across editorial, digital media, and film production, she is adept at guiding creative direction, managing cross-functional teams, and producing impactful visual narratives that resonate with audiences.

A self-taught visual storyteller, Phillis began her photography journey in 2007 by documenting life in her family’s village in Onitsha, Nigeria. Since then, her work has been featured in MFON: Women Photographers of the African Diaspora, The New York Times, and PhotoVogue Italia, and exhibited at institutions including MoCADA, the William Benton Museum of Art, and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum.

Her career includes working at ESSENCE magazine and a longstanding contribution to the PhotoVogue Collection at Art + Commerce. She is also an Up Next member of Diversify Photo and part of the Black Women Photographers collective.

Deeply inspired by her culture, travels, and the vibrant people around her, Phillis’s work often centers on portraiture and themes of identity, heritage, and beauty. When she’s not behind the lens, she’s planning her next adventure—or daydreaming about island life.

Update: The daydream became reality—Phillis happily lives on a tropical island, continuing to capture stories with heart and vision. 🌺🐚



Publications

The New York Times, Self, ESSENCE, OkayAfrica, MFON: Women Photographers of the African Diaspora


News, Features & Exhibitions

2024 - Black Women Photographers member

2024 - Communication Arts 2024 Photography Shortlist

2023 - Diversify Photo: Up Next member

2020 - Format Magazine

2014 - Solo Exhibition: Cafe Habana & Habana Outpost, Brooklyn, NY

2012 - PhotoVogue contributor

2012 - Group Exhibition: Dandy Lion: Articulating a Re(de)fined Black Masculine Identity, Reginald F. Lewis Museum, Baltimore, MD

2011 - Group Exhibition: Dandy Lion: Articulating a Re(de)fined Black Masculine Identity, Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts, Brooklyn, NY

2008 - Student Exhibition: William Benton Museum of Art, Storrs, CT

Using Format