Photoville

Kennedi Carter
Kennedi Carter
Kennedi Carter
Kennedi Carter
Kennedi Carter
Kennedi Carter

The verb “to flex” essentially has one of two meanings. It can mean to show off, to gloat, or to boast—which is the most popular definition of the word. However, it can also mean to put on a fake front, to fake it, or force it. The second definition is usually used in conjunction with the first—as in, someone who’s gloating about something that they’ve really got no right to gloat about, lying about an accomplishment, or exaggerating the truth.

Kennedi Carter (b. 1998) explores ideas of Blackness related to wealth, power, respect, and belonging in her new series of photographs. Carter dressed friends and acquaintances in historically-inspired costumes that represent wealth and power. History is referenced, rejected, and reimagined. The images compel us to ask questions: How can looking back in time move me forward? Who and what represents wealth? Does money mean respect? Where do I fit? What assumptions do I make based on appearance? Who is flexing? What is underneath wealth and power? What makes me feel seen? Where do I belong?

From What Does “Flex” Mean In Slang? Or, Why Both “No Flex Zones” and “Flex Friendly Zones” Are Necessary By Mehak Anwar, Bustle

Artist Bios

  • Kennedi Carter

    A Durham, North Carolina native by way of Dallas, Texas, Kennedi Carter is a fine art photographer and creative director with a primary focus on Black subjects. Her work highlights the aesthetics and sociopolitical aspects of Blackness as well as the overlooked beauties of the Black experience: skin, texture, trauma, peace, love, and community. Her work aims to reinvent notions of creativity and confidence in the realm of Blackness.

Organizations

  • Photoville

    Photoville

    Photoville is a New York-based non-profit organization that works to promote a wider understanding and increased access to the art of photography and visual storytelling by producing a free annual festival, amplifying impactful narratives, and connecting artists to a wide global audience by activating accessible public spaces via large scale exhibitions.

    Proudly devoted to cultivating strategic partnerships and creative collaborations with community spirit, UPI approaches its mission of cultivating a wide, diverse audience for powerful photographic narratives by working closely with visual artists, city agencies, nonprofit organizations and educators worldwide to create new exhibition and public art opportunities that showcase thought-provoking, challenging, and exceptional photography. For more information about Photoville visit, www.photoville.com

Flex

 archive : 2020

Featuring: Kennedi Carter

Presented by: Photoville
  • Photoville
View Location Details Number 34 on the official photoville map Click to download this year's map Old Fulton Street and Prospect Street

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