In 2015 I left my life behind, and decided to pursue my calling. That decision almost destroyed me. I wasn't being myself. I wasn't telling the story, because I was trying to be something else. I stopped before I went over that cliff.
The work displayed here is what was on other side.
Today, I stand proudly as a Black gay man and self-taught photographic artist who tries new things with each project. My work centers Black queer folks, and primarily, but not exclusively, Black gay men. It’s my vision to tell our fullest, most honest story. So often I find that our stories are stilted or watered down and often lack emotional complexity and variety.
As an HIV advocate the subject often shows up somewhere in my work. As you take in the photography understand that I see my output as continuing the work of Marlon Riggs, Essex Hemphill, Joseph Beam and Rotimi Fani-Kayode. I've never really felt "at home" in my own body, and increasingly my work incorporates conversations about Black men and body image. My most recent body of work, NAKED, displays this fully.
Film, written word and sound combined with photography are all important elements to my installations. I am always searching for a new way to communicate what’s happening in the work and looking for innovative ways to display it.
In addition to my artistic endeavors, I serve as Creative Director for CNP, an organization committed to shifting the narratives about Black gay men. In my role, I am responsible for visual direction, content creation and strategy among other things. I am also the co-host and producer of the visual podcast Queue Points. On the show we have intentional dialogue about Black music creatives.
I was born and raised in a small city outside of Philadelphia, called Chester. Life circumstances have brought me back here, so this is where I create and exist today. I am also a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, and a 2017 Barbara Vick Impact Award winner.