I was commissioned to photograph the cover for the August 18, 2024, issue of The New York Times Magazine.
Read MoreReview: Art in America
My exhibition, "Joshua Rashaad McFadden: I Believe I'll Run On," at the George Eastman Museum was reviewed in Art in America, a leading publication in contemporary art. This review is significant as Art in America is highly respected in the field, highlighting the importance and impact of my work. The review praised the boundary-blurring nature of my photography, which integrates reportage with community-based practices, and commended the compassionate portrayal of the Black experience. This recognition underscores my contribution to contemporary discourse on race, identity, and social justice, solidifying my role as a significant voice in contemporary photography.
Read MoreCNN Feature Story: A Black photographer’s view of America’s racial reckoning
CNN featured my work in an article titled "A Black photographer’s view of America’s racial reckoning," focusing on my documentation of protests following George Floyd's death. The story highlights my journey from Rochester to Minneapolis and Atlanta to capture these historic events. My photographs aim to show the humanity of those affected by racial injustice, making their struggles relatable to a broader audience. This coverage underscores the emotional depth and significance of my work in contemporary discourse on race and justice. By reaching a wide audience, CNN has amplified the impact of my visual storytelling in advocating for social change.
Read MoreNational Geographic's "The Year in Pictures"
In December 2020, my work was featured in National Geographic's special issue, "The Year in Pictures," highlighting 54 photographs that captured the essence of an extraordinary year. Curated by Susan Goldberg, this issue marked the first retrospective of a single year in the publication’s history. My photographs documented pivotal moments of racial strife and the global movement for social justice, reflecting the powerful impact of visual storytelling. The inclusion of my work in this prestigious collection underscores its significance in shaping public perception and fostering understanding during times of crisis, amplifying its reach and impact on a global audience.
Read MorePhoto Exhibition Explores Intimacies of Black Life
The Rochester Beacon featured my new solo exhibition, "Joshua Rashaad McFadden: I Believe I’ll Run On," at the George Eastman Museum, which opened on November 5, 2021. The exhibit explores race, sexuality, and gender in Black American lives, continuing my career-long focus on these themes. The article highlights my documentation of Black Lives Matter protests and the emotions of the protesters. This retrospective features series like "After Selma" and "Love Without Justice," debuting at the museum. Recognized with multiple awards, my work captures the hardships, resilience, and love within the Black community, offering viewers a deeper understanding of Black life in the U.S.
Read MoreVanity Fair - In Photos: Protest and Rage in America’s Cities
Vanity Fair featured my work in an article discussing the experiences of photojournalists covering the nationwide protests following George Floyd's death. I shared my firsthand account from Minneapolis, describing the intense atmosphere as smoke from local fires filled the air each evening, creating a war zone-like environment. My documentation captured the tangible despair and deep-seated pain of protesters, especially young people, as they demanded justice. The article underscores the critical role of photojournalists in documenting these historic events, highlighting the power of visual storytelling in the fight against systemic racism and police brutality. This coverage emphasizes the significance of my work in advocating for social justice.
Read MoreThe Economist: Portraits of protest in America
The Financial Times featured my work in "Portraits of Protest in America" on June 5, 2020, highlighting the experiences of four African-American photographers documenting the George Floyd protests. The article explored the emotional weight of capturing these historic demonstrations against police brutality and systemic racism. It emphasized how Floyd's death ignited widespread fury and protests, highlighting the disproportionate impact on ethnic minorities. By documenting these moments, we bring attention to the urgent need for change and contribute to the broader discourse on racial inequality. This feature underscores the critical role of Black photographers in visual storytelling and advocating for social justice.
Read MoreBlack Photographers Discuss the Challenges and Necessity of Documenting Protests
I was featured in the Observer on September 30, 2020, in an article by Jordyn Paul-Slater, discussing the challenges and necessity of documenting Black Lives Matter protests. The article explores the emotional connection Black photojournalists have with these events. I shared my experiences of covering protests for major outlets and the difficulty of separating my emotions from the task. Despite this, I strive to convey authenticity and dignity in my work. The feature also addresses the importance of protecting protestor anonymity while capturing the movement's essence. This coverage highlights the crucial role of Black photographers in advocating for social justice through visual storytelling.
Read MoreCapturing the spirit of Black resistance in the US today
Huck Magazine featured my work on February 3, 2022, in an article by Miss Rosen titled "Capturing the spirit of Black resistance in the US today." The piece highlights my decade-long exploration of racism, masculinity, sexuality, and gender through photography. It discusses my series "After Selma," "Come to Selfhood," and "Unrest in America," reflecting on significant social movements like Black Lives Matter. Inspired by photographers such as Roy DeCarava and Carrie Mae Weems, my work aims to capture the profound emotions of Black Americans. This feature underscores the impact of my visual storytelling in advocating for social justice and documenting the fight for equality.
Read MoreThese Pictures Capture What It Means To Be A Black Man In America Today
BuzzFeed News featured my photo series "Come to Selfhood," which explores Black masculinity in America through striking portraits and personal testimonies. Published on February 28, 2019, the article highlighted how the series responds to the frequent killings of unarmed Black men by police, aiming to break through stereotypes and myths. "Come to Selfhood" fosters empathy and sparks action by encouraging viewers to see their sons, brothers, and fathers in the images. The feature emphasized the human experience of Black men, adding depth with personal narratives and showcasing the impact of my work on contemporary discussions about race, identity, and social justice.
Read MoreCommunication Arts Interview: Building an Archive
I was featured in Communication Arts, discussing my photography's focus on identity and civil rights. Covering Black Lives Matter protests in various cities, I captured the emotional intensity of communities impacted by police brutality. Reflecting on my passion for photography, shaped by family influences and education at Elizabeth City State University and Savannah College of Art and Design, I described my series "After Selma" and "Come to Selfhood," which explore Black identity and masculinity. The interview highlighted my dedication to using photography for social justice, aiming to inspire action and change. This coverage underscores the importance of my work in contemporary photography and social advocacy.
Read MoreCity Magazine Review: Protest is personal in Joshua Rashaad McFadden's Eastman Museum art show
City Magazine in Rochester, NY, featured my exhibition "I Believe I'll Run On" at the George Eastman Museum, emphasizing its personal and emotional impact. Amanda Chestnut described how the exhibit welcomed Black viewers and challenged white audiences, asserting Black art's rightful presence. The article highlighted the rarity of my early-career retrospective and traced my journey from documenting the 2020 social uprising in Rochester to protests across the U.S. It emphasized my commitment to capturing the raw emotions of protestors and using photography for social justice. This coverage amplified the significance of my work, fostering deeper understanding and appreciation of critical issues.
Read MoreFeature Shoot: A Multi-Faceted Portrait of Black American Power and Pride
In a Feature Shoot article by Miss Rosen, my work was highlighted for its portrayal of Black American power and pride. The piece explores my journey from discovering photography in Rochester to using the medium to explore identity, masculinity, and race. My series "Evidence" was featured for its nuanced portrayal of Black masculinity, free from the white gaze. As an assistant professor at RIT, I documented the Black Lives Matter protests and the funerals of George Floyd and Rayshard Brooks. This coverage underscores the emotional impact of my work, inspiring action and fostering understanding through powerful visual storytelling that advocates for social justice.
Read MoreJoshua Rashaad McFadden reflects on career, using photography as a tool for justice
An article by The Grio on September 17, 2020, highlighted my career and use of photography as a tool for justice. The piece emphasizes how my empathetic artwork captures the stories of Black America, focusing on racial injustice and police brutality. Since the 2015 protests in Selma, I have documented pivotal moments, including the funerals of George Floyd and Rayshard Brooks for CNN and The New York Times. As an assistant professor at RIT, I share first-person perspectives from the frontlines in cities like Minneapolis and Atlanta. This media coverage underscores the significance of my work in addressing and advocating for social justice.
Read MorePhotographer Joshua Rashaad McFadden exhibit explores how images impact race and identity
My solo exhibition, "I Believe I'll Run On," at the George Eastman Museum, was highlighted by the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, emphasizing its focus on race, identity, and the American experience. The exhibition, running until June 19, features seven of my photo series documenting the intimacies of Black life in the U.S. The article underscored the importance of who holds the camera and how my images contribute to social justice discussions. It also traced my journey from a childhood interest in photography to my professional achievements, highlighting the impact of pivotal events like the police shootings of Michael Brown and Freddie Gray on my work.
Read More