Lo Braden
Hand of A Director & Photographer
2022

About the Item

Emerging artist Lo Braden, also known as Lo Cayne, is a black queer portrait and fashion photographer from Detroit, Michigan. In their striking portrait series, Black + _______, (“Black plus Blank”), Braden’s documented subjects are Black people whose identities include various sexual orientations, gender, disability, and ages demonstrating the individual ways they express themselves through their style or dress. Their portraits shine light on those who are most often excluded from the mainstream narrative of American Black Identity. "Black people are not a monolith. There are many of us who stand at the intersection of identities- Black and gay. Black and disabled. Black and non-binary. Many people even identify as all of the above. I want those who view this body of work to realize that there is a range of diversity across Black culture and identities that go unseen." Braden’s process included an open call to reach their subjects to intentionally select those included. Then, they began to engage on an intimate level with each subject to understand what or where ‘their safe space is.’ Drawing on their responses to inspire the set and location, each person was immersed in rich and vibrant colored textiles that boldly pop against melanated skin, shot with lighting effects that draw inspiration from the Harlem Renaissance, specifically renowned photographer James van Der Zee. "I aim to capture the essence and soul of Black people, the people who gave birth to so many movements and culture that have historically and continue to influence American culture. My experiences as a Black, disabled, queer human run through my nerves to help me usher in a new era of rebirth,” Lo Braden shares. Their work aims to show the beauty and glamour of Black people through careful consideration of color theory, composition, and concepts. Subjects represent themselves wearing traditional Black hairstyles and accessories such as cowrie shells, gold rings, necklaces, bracelets, and hoop earrings that are symbolic and associated with Black culture. "The purpose behind my portrait series is to capture how Black people present themselves and showcase them in a way that will redefine and at the same time, reference portraits from the time of the Harlem Renaissance."

Creator:

Lo Braden (American)

Creation Year:

2022

Dimensions:

Height: 16 in (40.64 cm)Width: 16 in (40.64 cm)

Medium:

Photographic Paper,Digital

Movement & Style:

Contemporary

Period:

2010-