The Power of Influential Black Creatives

With Black History Month coming to a close, it is very evident that as the years go by, more and more impactful conversations and reshaping of narratives are occurring from many voices. The creative industry has always been a world that is filled with pillars of the Black community who use their growing platforms and work to advocate, raise awareness, and inspire our society. 

Black creatives have consistently harnessed the power of their artistic expression to transcend boundaries, illuminate the struggles, and celebrate the vibrancy of their culture, thereby making a profound impact on society. This month is the time to spotlight the talented work within the Black community. Here are some of the most exciting creatives to follow:  

Tyler Mitchell

Tyler Mitchell is a pioneering Black photographer whose work has had a profound impact on empowering the Black community. Notably, he was the first African American photographer to capture a Vogue cover featuring Beyoncé, which was a significant step towards diversity and representation in the fashion world. Following this achievement, he has garnered a client roster that boasts some of the fashion industry’s most esteemed names, such as Gucci, Loewe, Simone Rocha, JW Anderson, Prada, and more. Additionally, he has secured a partnership with the Jack Shainman Gallery, a renowned institution representing some of the world’s most influential Black artists, including Lynette Yiadom-Boakye and Kerry James Marshall.

In a recent Vogue article, “Chrysalis: Tyler Mitchell at Gagosian London,” his artistry takes center stage at the Gagosian Gallery in London. The exhibition, titled “Chrysalis,” showcases Tyler’s unique style, characterized by vibrant colors and dreamlike aesthetics, which humanizes his subjects, encouraging a sense of relatability and empowerment.

Through his photography, Tyler challenges stereotypes, advocates for inclusivity, and sparks vital conversations about race and identity. His influence extends beyond the gallery as he actively mentors emerging Black artists and continues to break down racial barriers in the industry, leaving an enduring mark on the world of art and photography.

Amber Pinkerton

Amber Pinkerton, born in 1997 in Kingston, Jamaica, is a versatile visual artist working in photography, moving images, and conceptual art. Her artistic practice is deeply rooted in identity politics, with a particular focus on Jamaica and its diaspora. And while her images have been embraced for their stylishness and heart abroad, that doesn’t negate the fact that representations of Blackness in international fashion magazines can be fraught in their own ways.

In her more recent work, Pinkerton debuted her solo exhibition, “Self Dialogues: Hard Food,” at London’s Alice Black Gallery. The exhibition presents an intimate and contemplative atmosphere with its pink-themed decor and diaristic spoken monologue. Pinkerton’s art delves into themes of loneliness, family, love, and migration, offering a glimpse into her innermost thoughts.

Pinkerton’s achievements include being featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2022 and The New York Times Style Magazine’s list of ’15 Creative Women for Our Time’ in 2020. She was also included in the 2020 British Fashion Council’s New Wave: Creatives List, Dazed 100 rankings in 2020, and i-D’s Photographers to follow in 2020.’

Rashid Johnson

American artist Rashid Johnson had a diverse group of friends during his upbringing, which included individuals from various racial backgrounds. This multicultural experience, combined with the intellectual influence of his mother, who introduced him to the works of prominent African-American writers, and his father’s tinkering background, sparked his deep curiosity about the human condition. This background continues to fuel Johnson’s insatiable appetite for understanding the complexities of humanity, leading him to explore the social, cultural, and political realities of being a Black man in today’s world.

The artist expresses his exploration through various art forms, including painting, drawing, sculpture, filmmaking, and installation art. A central theme in his work is the idea of escapism, where he believes that everyone yearns for another reality at some level. This concept is at the heart of his directorial debut, HBO’s “Native Son,” based on Richard Wright’s 1940 novel. It also forms the core of “The Hikers,” a ballet film set in Aspen and exhibited at Museo Tamayo in Mexico City and the Hauser & Wirth Gallery in New York. His diverse body of work, including ceramic mosaics, paintings, and large-scale sculpture, offers a rich exploration of these themes.

Priya Ahluwalia: 

Priya Ahluwalia, a Nigerian-Indian designer, serves as a voice for both Black and Indian communities. Her rich blend of cultures and traditions transforms her clothing from mere garments into powerful expressions of the beauty inherent in Blackness.

In a remarkably short period, the designer transitioned from completing her Menswear MA at the University of Westminster to collaborating with renowned names like Adidas, Mulberry, Gucci, and Ganni and launching her own brand. Her brand Ahluwalia has captured the fashion industry’s attention with her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to infuse her cultural heritage into her elegant creations. Each piece in Ahluwalia’s collection tells a unique story, conveying a message of Black love and pride. Her work has entranced both fashion insiders and those outside the industry, drawing admiration for its rich cultural representation.

Her latest partnership with Mulberry offers a fresh perspective on fashion while placing significant emphasis on Black culture. The collaboration is a celebration of empowerment and inclusivity, particularly for individuals with Afro-Caribbean hair.

Wales Bonner

Grace Wales Bonner, a British-Jamaican designer, launched her fashion label, Wales Bonner, in 2014, and quickly gained recognition for her unique approach to fashion. Her work is rooted in exploring themes of identity, race, and spirituality, often drawing inspiration from her Jamaican heritage and African diaspora culture.

Bonner’s collections blend traditional tailoring with elements of African and Caribbean heritage, creating garments that challenge stereotypes and provide a platform for the Black community’s cultural expression. 

The designer’s collaborative efforts extend beyond fashion. She has worked with artists, musicians, and writers, contributing to the broader cultural conversation surrounding Black identity. Through her creative collaborations and inclusive designs, she empowers the Black community by celebrating its rich heritage and fostering a sense of pride and recognition.

Jon Gray

Jon Gray is a key figure in the creative collective known as Ghetto Gastro. He empowers the Black community through his work by using food as a platform for cultural expression, social commentary, and activism. Ghetto Gastro, as a collective, is dedicated to redefining the culinary world and elevating Black voices and culture.

A Bronx-based culinary collective founded by Gray, along with friends and fellow chefs Malcolm Livingston II, Lester Walker, and Pierre Serrao. They combine their culinary skills with art, design, and activism to create unique dining experiences and advocate for social change. 

The group has gained recognition from Hollywood and the fashion industry, working with figures like Wolfgang Puck, Rick Owens, and Michelle Lamy. However, despite their success, their original mission of social justice remains a priority. They often work with marginalized communities and use their platform to support and uplift Black voices and businesses. Ghetto Gastro challenges traditional notions of high-end dining by infusing it with a rich tapestry of cultural influences and a commitment to social justice.

Rasharn Powell:  

Rising British Alt-R&B singer Rasharn Powell empowers the Black community through his soulful music. The musician’s inspiration often strikes while daydreaming at his part-time job at Selfridges, where he crafts most of his lyrics. His music seamlessly blends funk, soul, and R&B, reflecting his unique style. Influenced by his grandad’s introduction to dancehall, Powell combines literature and poetry to create his songs. 

His songs, like ‘Joyride,’ bridge love and desire with the harsh reality of police brutality and the Black man’s position in society. He began his musical journey with the debut single ‘Warm In These Blue Jeans’ and continues to create thought-provoking tracks. He uses his soulful sounds and lyrical depth to empower the Black community and provide a voice for shared emotions and experiences.