Exhibition Preparation and Impact

From 2019 to 2022, I dedicated myself to the preparation and realization of my first major solo museum exhibition at the George Eastman Museum, titled "Joshua Rashaad McFadden: I Believe I'll Run On." This exhibition marks a significant milestone in my career as a contemporary photographer and artist. The George Eastman Museum is renowned for its dedication to photographic arts and history, making it a prestigious venue for any artist. Notably, this show serves as an early career survey, a rare and remarkable achievement for an artist at my stage, as such surveys are typically reserved for mid to late-career artists. This underscores the exceptional recognition and accomplishment this exhibition represents.

The journey to this achievement was both intensive and collaborative, involving a dedicated team spread across four different cities. Our collective efforts ensured that every aspect of the exhibition—from conceptualization to execution—was meticulously planned and executed. The exhibition's successful opening is a testament to the hard work and synergy of my team, whose support was invaluable in bringing this ambitious project to fruition.

This exhibition, showcasing seven series of my work, critically examines race, masculinity, sexuality, and gender in the United States. It highlights the contemporary condition of Black life, making a profound impact on both the art community and society at large. The exhibition was documented extensively through photographs, videos, and a comprehensive catalog. Peer review came in the form of critical reviews from leading art critics and scholars, notably in Art in America, which praised the exhibition for its compassionate portrayal of the Black experience and its innovative approach to photography. The reach of this exhibition extended to a diverse audience, including art enthusiasts, students, and scholars, who experienced and benefited from the powerful narratives conveyed through my work.

https://www.eastman.org/mcfadden