LaRodge Johnson
About
My photography career began by accident. I was in my early 20s and still discovering myself. I signed up for a film photography course to take photos of my friends and myself, and I found my calling. Photography has allowed me to answer questions like what it means to be a black woman growing up in a country that viewed your ancestors as subhuman or property. How can you define yourself and a country that is structurally arranged for you to face adversity. These are the questions that I found myself gravitating towards in my photographic artwork. A goal of mine is to create a more commercial style works, but with historical depth in highlighting the beauty that black people present. This has inspired me to start historical research on female black photographers in America since little information is known of the earliest ones. Life has taught me the importance of representation, and this has influenced my creative photo practice. Through my photo work, I explore black femininity, black legacy, and what the African American identity means. I display my conceptual art works with the use of photography and mixed media. I always used my photography to capture the conceptual art that I visualize in my head, and now I consider myself an Art Activist showcasing black beauty instead of black trauma porn. I also create large pieces in quite protest of a black woman taking up space.
Publications & Speaking Engagements
Publications:
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Camden 2012 an oral history of transformation
Media Appearances/Speaking Engagements:
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Newman fellowship conveying
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Resolution at City Hall for my civic work
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Oral History Project
Organizations/Accomplishments/Upcoming Projects
Previous Organizations:
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Department diversity inclusion and civic engagement
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City of Camden
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Camden Community Partnership
Accomplishments:
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Newman Fellowship
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Camden 2012 Oral history project
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Mayor Camden Cleanup
Upcoming Projects:
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Fairytales for Black People
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History of female black photographers
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Dr. Helps