Blog: Q&A with Nyia Sissac (class of 2024)
Nyia Sissac is a portrait photographer based in Chicago, IL. She graduated from Columbia College Chicago, with a BA in photography. She currently finished her first year of residency at Frederick Douglas High School and after their presentation during our Winter Conversation and Critique, we wanted to know more about her experiences as a CPS Lives artist resident.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself. What led you to become an artist/creative?
Hi, I am Nyia Sissac, a fine art photographer who uses portraiture to tell and curate stories based on the perspective of the African Diaspora. My journey to becoming an artist is quite unconventional. Initially, photography was just a hobby for me while I was on a pre-med track, focusing on becoming a neurologist. However, the day after my high school graduation, I realized something was off. I needed to release something inside me. After the strain on my mental health I understood that biology was no longer my passion but my nightmare. My mom and I decided that I should pursue some type of degree, and she encouraged me to apply for a BFA in photography. About a week later, I applied to Columbia College Chicago and got accepted the next day. The rest is history. I never fully understood it, but I know I’m meant to be an artist.
Q: How did you find out about CPS Lives and our Residency Program?
I found out about CPS Lives and the Residency Program through an old employee, Grace. We met at an art expo, and she walked me through the program and encouraged me to apply.
Q: What school were you at, and what was your project?
I was at Frederick Douglass High School. I taught the students about vulnerability—what it means to accept and reflect on themselves as the individuals they are becoming. Through journaling practices, I helped the children open up, express, and empower their feelings. We also touched on generational legacy, allowing them to build themselves both in and out of the classroom. With these journaling practices, I saw the children become more self-aware, more talkative, and more prepared to create unique images that provided strong stories without much explanation. Through photography, we told stories and narratives of self—what it means to be vulnerable, accepting, and trusting.
Q: What’s your favorite memory from your residency?
My favorite memory was getting the kids to just be themselves. Some of them rarely smiled, so it was wonderful to see them crack a smile, stop wearing hoodies and face coverings, and really come into their own. It was beautiful to witness.
Q: Do you believe this residency helped shape you as a person, as an artist?
Yes, it taught me accountability, patience, and care. Accountability because people are relying on you and trusting you with their vulnerability, so you must treat it with care and show up 110% every time. Patience because many of these kids had never seen photography up close or really dived into it before, so being patient as they warmed up and built a routine was crucial. Lastly, care because many of these students have experienced traumatic events. You need to care for them, tend to their wounds, teach them how to heal and stand up for themselves, and allow them to show you who they are. Showing up and showing out is essential.
Q: What’s a lesson you’ll carry with you from this experience?
You can make a moment of change at any moment. it’s okay to be vulnerable and be your authentic self. Remember to laugh, smile, and love authentically because it will allow people to love you genuinely.
Q: What’s next and how can we stay connected to cheer you on?
I will be renewing my artist residency with CPSLives this year creating similar work to what I completed at Fredrick Douglass High School. You can connect with me on Instagram @nyiasissac or via email: nyia.sissac@gmail.com or nyiasissac.com
