Hi! For our second Art Spotlight in this year's series, we're focusing on a different kind of art. The world of photography is one that I've been interested in for years but intimidates me the more I learn about it. Photography is one of those 'in' careers right now, with social media helping reshape the parameters of the field. I feel like photography is now something that anyone, with enough time, effort and practice, could take up as a side hobby. Because of that, however, I wonder about the overall profitability since there are so many amateur photogs running around now. The thing I find most confusing, especially in today's society where so many of my professional peers could also be paid for their photography, is how to truly express my individual world view through the photos I take. How to make those photos distinctive, capture the world in the way that I see it. Today's entrant helped give birth to a different kind of street photography by capturing urban, Black life in the '80s and '90s. It was entirely different from the photography that captured our grandparents' and parents' generations (although for me this was both mine and my parent's--ma had me young lmao), but I think inadvertently put a new spin on urban street photography, which then took on a life of its own. I have finally accepted that the '90s were 30 years ago instead of 10, so I can begin including this decade in future posts. Anyway, enough rambling from me. Let's get to today's entrant!
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Name: Jamel Shabazz, 1960-
Profession: Photographer
Why is the Spotlight on him today? For his years of contributions to the photography industry, his dedication to capturing life in Black and Latino New York communities in different settings, for helping provide inspiration for modern street/urban photography
Notables:
--Is recognized as one of the most important African-American photographers of the 20th century
--Cited James Van Der Zee, Gordon Parks and Leonard Freed among his chief inspirations for becoming a photographer
--Was honored by the Gordon Parks Foundation Awards Dinner and Auction for his work and received the Gordon Parks Foundation Award at the event
--Was the subject of a solo exhibition held by the Gordon Parks Foundation
--Rose to prominence through his honest and up-close coverage of life in New York, from daily life in the '70s and '80s to the racially charged conflicts in the '90s
--Created the cover art for the 2011 Roots album Undun
--Has held over two dozen solo exhibitions around the world throughout the course of his career
--Has guest lectured at the Fashion Institute of Photography, The Brooklyn Historic Foundation, and Parsons New School of Design, to name a few
--Is a member of Kamoinge, Inc., which is an African-American photography collective group
--Authored eight monographs throughout his career
--Contributed to over three dozen photography books and material
--Was the muse behind Shantrelle Lewis' 2008 exhibition "The Shoot Out: A Lonely Crusade, Homage of Jamel Shabazz"
--Worked as a teaching artist with Harlem's "Expanding the Walls" project, the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, and the Schomburg Center for Research's Black Culture "Teen Curators" program
--Was included in a documentary about street photographers who use New York as the backdrop for their work
--Has his work displayed in a permanent installment in five galleries across New York State and another in Washington, D. C.
Further reading and resources:
Quotes of the Day:
"In each experience, Shabazz has been welcomed into ‘the square’ of those who he photographs. In that moment, Shabazz becomes an ambassador of the neighborhood, assuring each and every soul who allows him to connect with them, ‘I see you.’ ‘I see you’ not only through the lens of this camera, but from his soul to yours.”
-Dr. Myrah Brown Green, curator
“I see your greatness, young brother. I’m a photographer, and would you mind me capturing your legacy?”
-Jamel Shabazz
Today's organization: Audre Lorde Project
What does this organization provide? Resources for organizing the New York area LGBTQ+ community, helping to increase community wellness and bring about social and economic justice for a progressive mindset. The organization wants to equip its community to better serve itself through organizing, creating allies in the struggle for justice and equality, and advocacy for people facing hardship. The majority of the programs are meant to benefit the LGBTQ+ community in the local area, with different programs targeted at different sectors to help mobilize them into action, find support and help, and educate on how to handle hate/racial violence.
See you tomorrow!
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