The Reception for “Diasporan” Was Magnificent

I have been trying for days to put into words my experience of attending the opening reception for “Diasporan”: a Black History Month group show where I have three photographs on exhibit. It was a moving, deeply validating experience. The depth and breadth of the work on display shows how creative we are as a people outside of the ways the media and popular culture usually portray us. Had my pockets been deeper I would have come home several thousands of dollars lighter from buying multiple pieces!

The experience made me realize I don’t see a lot of fine art photography on social media. Much of what I see is portrait, fashion, and food photography. It’s all wonderful, but none of that is my passion. Furthermore, most of the fine artists with large followings on social media are in their 20s and 30s. As a fine art photographer in her late 40s, I felt isolated due to age and subject matter. Even among other street photographers I have occasionally wondered if I am shooting the “wrong” things even though I see much younger men get published shooting similar things. From time to time I had to remind myself if they can shoot it, I can too. But I wavered.

Then “Diasporan” came along. At the 11 February opening reception people went out of their way to find me and compliment my work. They asked intelligent questions and were attentive as I answered. They patiently answered my questions about their work and shared insights into their passions and processes. I was inspired being in the presence of so many talented, Black artists, most of whom are in my age cohort or older. I felt right at home among them.

My two main takeaways from the experience are as follows:

1. You never know where your connections and talents will take you. I talked to one artist who might not have gotten the commission or connection they originally went after, but someone else saw their effort and commissioned them instead. Staying open to however success comes is important.
2. There is an audience for my work in the fine art world. In my own way I am documenting our era, and that is very important.

I’ve created a gallery of photos from the reception. Enjoy them.

“Diasporan” will be on display until 4 March 2018. If you are anywhere near Chevy Chase, MD I strongly encourage you to stop by Friendship Gallery to view the show. Most of the artwork on display is for sale through the gallery. Inquire at the front desk for more information.