Visiting Deana Lawson's Photography Exhibition at The High Museum of Art, Atlanta, GA

I love the High Museum of Art so when I found out that Deana Lawson was exhibiting there, of course, this was an excuse to go! 

I first learned about Deana's work through a few Pinterest posts. I have this board dedicated specifically to my favorite photography and I saw this gorgeous image of Rihanna in a pink dress that I had to pin.  It wasn't until later that I realized it was Deana's work. She also photographed Blood Orange's Freetown Sound album cover, which was a memorable photo.

Deana's High Museum of Art exhibition was akin to viewing a family photo album. When I think of gathering around to view photos, I think of an intimate setting. The photos were very personable and left me feeling like I was part of something. The images gave me a peek into the lives of her subjects. 

Per the museum's press statement:

"...Lawson’s highly staged scenes, individuals, couples, and families are pictured in intimate domestic spaces and public settings, interacting with one another. The artist describes her work as “a mirror of everyday life, but also a projection of what I want to happen. It’s about setting a different standard of values and saying that everyday Black lives, everyday experiences, are beautiful, and powerful, and intelligent.” Lawson’s practice is global in scope, as she creates her images throughout the African diaspora in locations as varied as Brooklyn, Haiti, Jamaica, Ethiopia, Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Southern United States. This broad geographical range points to a collective memory of shared experiences and various cultural histories of the past."

Here are some images from the exhibition:

Deana Lawson Exhibition, High Museum of Art, Atlanta, GA

Deana Lawson Exhibition, High Museum of Art, Atlanta, GA

Deana Lawson Exhibition, High Museum of Art, Atlanta, GA