Reunion
To celebrate non-essential businesses reopening around the country, American Express commissioned acclaimed photographer and filmmaker, Lewis Khan, to create the ‘Reunion’ series.
Featuring three independent businesses, the short film and accompanying photography series captures the iconic moment shop owners were finally reunited with some of their most loyal customers.
Alongside the visuals, the film is sound-tracked by singer, songwriter and producer Kyan, one of Britain’s most exciting and enigmatic emerging talents.
Introduction to the Film
The ‘Reunion’ series brings to life the reopening of small shops on an emotional level. It showcases the people behind some of London’s most unique and vibrant high street businesses. The connections between the shopkeepers and their most regular customers shine through strongly in the project. In the film we witness the moment of reunion and hear what each store reopening means to those closest to it.
About Lewis Khan
Lewis Khan’s portrait-based work is a study of emotion, relationships, and identity. His graduation piece ‘Georgetown’ was picked up and exhibited widely, notably at The Photographers Gallery as part of Fresh Faced + Wild Eyed.
Lewis comments, “These shopkeepers have become more than business owners to their local customers, they’ve become friends and confidants. This series, as a snapshot of inspiring small businesses and their loyal customers, celebrates just how valuable small shops are to our local communities.”
About Kyan
Kyan’s work defies the boundaries of genre and format, using his art to de-stigmatise ‘uncomfortable’ topics and create a space for progressive conversation. He was heralded as a ‘genius’ by Nile Rodgers when they met as part of the American Express ‘Backed By’ initiative in 2018.
Kyan comments, “I created this piece to embody the essence of community and the claps I used represent the most fundamental human expression of people coming together. From the piano to the marching drums, I wanted to capture the resilience of the human spirit during difficult times and the joy of a hopeful future.”
Universal Works
Contemporary menswear company, Universal Works was launched in 2009 by co-founder, director and designer, David Keyte.
Combining real, honest clothing, with skilled, small-scale production, Universal Works’ passion is found in every characteristic piece, combining modern fits with old style
construction.
Business owner, David comments, "I get such a personal kick out of meeting and talking to customers. It's a massive part of what and who we are; I can't wait to
welcome them back."
En Route
EN ROOT is an Indian Inspired Vegan Food Concept based in South London. Inspired by a vision to unify the local community and bring health and well-being to the focus of many, EN ROOT celebrates fresh, wholesome Plant Powered Goodness.
Now located in the Clapham/Brixton area of London, co-founders Harshil and Nishant Modasia pride themselves on offering a richly international menu, inspired by their cultural heritage and local community.
Co-founder, Nishant comments, "It's really exciting to be open again and we just want
to be at ease with customers. We've had to change a lot of things but it's provided us with an opportunity to expand on other parts of the business and we're looking forward to the next chapter."
Samantha Cusick
Samantha Cusick London is an independent hair salon located in Notting Hill, founded upon a vision to do things differently.
With an ethos of offering a great in-store experience, the salon prides itself on listening to individual needs to ensure customers leave feeling incredible, with healthy hair they can wear every day.
Business owner, Samantha comments, “I’m relishing the opportunity to finally be reunited with my regular customers. We’re more than just a service to them and they are much more than just customers to us.”
