Curated by Dexter Wimberly
Jamel Shabazz is a rare photographer whose work stands as a testament to the lived experiences of Black people in America for over 40 years. His impressive oeuvre is engaging and highly recognizable. This exhibition brings together selections from Shabazz's extensive archive of photographs.
The son of a veteran, Shabazz was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He picked up his first camera at the age of 15 and soon after began photographing his friends and relatives. As Shabazz's practice evolved, the streets and the New York City subway system also became the backdrop for many of his photographs. Shabazz has drawn inspiration from noted studio and documentary photographers, most influentially Leonard Freed, as well as James VanDerZee, Gordon Parks, Robert Capa, and Eli Reed.
Shabazz has stated that his goal is to contribute to the preservation of world history and culture. Reflections of a People offers a glimpse into a past time and place, capturing moments of Black life for future generations.