my name is my name

Malique Payne (b.1985 Jamaica, NY) is a photographer/visual storyteller based in New York City.  Payne is a self-taught photographer who has been exploring the power and purpose of photography since 2012, with a particular focus on documentary, archival, architecture, and landscape projects. Payne's work is characterized by his keen eye for detail and his ability to showcase the Black experience in all its complexity.

He is known for operating under the pseudonym "Bleekaluchi", which he adopted early on in his career to establish a unique identity and moniker, his byBleekaluchi brand, created in 2019, has helped incorporate the photographer with the business and the brand. He strives to capture the full range of emotions that define the Black experience, from moments of joy and thrill to those of grief and struggle.

The resulting images are refined and multifaceted, offering viewers a powerful and deeply moving glimpse into the world of Black culture and identity. Payne's work is a testament to his dedication, passion, and skill as a photographer, and it's clear that his biography is still being written one story and one image at a time.