Artsy.
All too often, the images of Black people transmitted for the world to see are saturated in trauma and plight. Since art has the ability to sew moments in time with memory, it is essential that accurate, honest depictions of Black life and identity are narrated. We picked 5 of our favorite Black photographers that use their lens to create poetry through the exploration of Blackness in all its diverse beauty.
By Krystal O.
Brittani Sensabaugh
Reppin’: “Documentarian from Deep East Oakland”
Website: www.brittsense.com
IG: @brittsense
Why We’re Obsessed: Full of color and rich with honesty, Brittani Sensabaugh’s work captures sultry joy and raw reflection. One look and an instant wave of familiarity and pride fills our spirit.
All photos from artist’s Instagram: @brittsense
Mark C.
Reppin’: NYC
Website: www.markclennon.com
IG: @mark.c
Why We’re Obsessed: There’s a certain ubiquitous flyness that permeates Mark Clennon’s work. Even when the focus is less on aesthetics and more on context, the feature of eloquence and clarity is never missed - as seen in his most recent work for Time Magazine capturing the 2020 Black Lives Matter Protests within the past month.
All photos from artist’s Instagram: @mark.c
Andre G. Wagner
Reppin’: Brooklyn
Website: www.andredwagner.com
IG: @photodre
Why We’re Obsessed: Wouldn’t you be? It’s like each image sings a poem with an epic, grand orchestrated sound. Andre G. Wagner lets the powerful narrative of Blackness gracefully tell its truth resolving a direct confrontation with that which is perceived as rugged and soft.
All photos from artist’s Instagram: @photodre
SlauCienega
Reppin’: Los Angeles
IG: @slaucienega
Why We’re Obsessed: We are straight west coast babies, born and raised, so our fixation with palm trees and low riders is deeper than the cliche. SlauCienega is able to seize the moments of life that are the soul cycles keeping us afloat and define a family connectedness that’s on a whole other level.
All photos from artist’s Instagram: @slaucienega
Micaiah Carter
Reppin’: Brooklyn
Website: www.micaiahcarter.com
IG: @micaiahcarter
Why We’re Obsessed: Micaiah Carter teaches us how to speak but not from our mouths. His ability to capture the detail of identity with an empowering delicacy and let it simmer in a bubbling pot of soul for the observer to taste test is the truest form of art exhibition.
All photos from artist’s Instagram: @micaiahcarter