The New Black Vanguard: Photography Between Art and Fashion

Description

*The New Black Vanguard: Photography Between Art and Fashion* is a groundbreaking book that explores the intersection of contemporary art and fashion photography, focusing on the work of Black photographers who are reshaping the visual landscape. Edited by **Antwaun Sargent**, the book features the work of more than **15 emerging and established Black photographers** who are challenging traditional representations of Black identity, beauty, and culture.

The book presents a variety of photographic styles, from portraiture to fashion editorials, and examines how these photographers are using the medium to engage with broader societal themes, including race, power, and representation. The photographers featured in the book are known for their ability to combine high fashion with artistic expression, offering fresh perspectives on the way Black life is captured and portrayed in both commercial and fine art contexts.

Some notable photographers featured in *The New Black Vanguard* include:

– **Tyler Mitchell**: Known for his vibrant, celebratory photographs of Black subjects, Mitchell made history as the first Black photographer to shoot the cover of *Vogue* (with Beyoncé in 2018).
– **Zanele Muholi**: A South African photographer and visual activist whose work focuses on the lives of Black LGBTQ+ individuals, often exploring themes of identity and empowerment.
– **Campbell Addy**: A British-Ghanaian photographer whose work blends fashion photography with fine art, creating striking, intimate portraits that emphasize beauty and personal narrative.
– **Micaiah Carter**: An artist whose work is known for its emotional depth and exploration of Black masculinity and beauty.

The book not only highlights the artistry of these photographers but also interrogates the power dynamics of the fashion world, which has historically marginalized Black creators and subjects. *The New Black Vanguard* is a celebration of Black excellence and offers an important reimagining of what fashion and art photography can be.

The book’s influence extends beyond the realm of photography, as it has helped to spark conversations around representation and inclusion in both the fashion industry and the fine arts world. The work of these photographers is part of a larger movement toward more diverse, authentic portrayals of Black identity in visual culture.

*The New Black Vanguard* is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary photography, fashion, and the cultural impact of Black artists. It has been lauded for its powerful imagery and its role in amplifying underrepresented voices in both the art and fashion industries.