Sheila Pree Bright
In 2019, I attended the Afropunk Festival in Atlanta, Georgia. The festival’s theme was the “Carnival of Consciousness,” and took place in the Mechanicsville community. As I entered the space, I moved through the sound of music and laughter. Young people were outwardly expressing themselves through their Afro-futuristic aesthetic, posing for photographers to capture their essence.
I mainly focus on photographing Black women, because for far too long, Black women have been especially ignored as they move about the world. For generations, the white power structure of America has been denigrating and dismissing Black women. I was captured by their aura, which seems to be in perfect harmony: with no judgment, complexity, or denial.
These young women at Afropunk were exploring their self-identity by celebrating Black joy in a safe space. In this philosophical movement, Black bodies are using their imagination and creativity in the midst of social unrest to build a future for Blackness.
Artist Bios
-
Sheila Pree Bright is an acclaimed international photographic artist who portrays large-scale works that combine a wide-range of knowledge of contemporary culture. She is known for her works, “#1960Now” and “Suburbia,” as well as Young Americans, and Plastic Bodies.
Bright is the author of “#1960Now: Photographs of Civil Rights Activists and Black Lives Matter Protests,” published by Chronicle Book. The work is a feature in the New York Times. She has also appeared in the 2016 feature-length documentary film “Election Day: Lens Across America.” Her series have been exhibited at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., the Art Gallery of Hamilton in Ontario, Canada, and the Leica Gallery in New York.
Bright is the recipient of several nominations and awards. Recently, she has been awarded the commission at the High Museum of Art for Picturing the South. Her work is included in numerous private and public collections, to name a few: the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., the Microsoft Art Collection in Redmond, Washington, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Cleveland, Ohio, and the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia.
Organizations
-
Ignite your passion for photography with Leica Camera at Photoville
Discover the allure of Leica photography at Photoville through curated photowalks complemented by a Leica on Loan program. From action photography to environmental portraiture, you’ll experience Leica photography and guidance by acclaimed Leica photographers.
Leica Camera is founded on a tradition of optical excellence and a conscious focus on the essentials of exquisite image making. For over a century, the brand has motivated visual storytelling through the quintessential union of craftsmanship, design and experience, providing essential tools that influence the art, culture and creation of photography. Photoville attendees can see this firsthand at the Leica Pavilion, which will showcase a one-of-a-kind photographic experience through a variety of interactive Leica activities designed to ignite your passion for photography.
https://leicacamerausa.com/
