Cutz: Black Men In Focus

Cutz: Black Men in Focus is a photography and video exhibit that investigates current events, social myths and personal perceptions surrounding the Black male identity through the backdrop of the African American barber shop. Black Men in Focus offers a visual narrative contradictory to the prevailing myth of a black man as the poster child for a mug shot or as the glamorous athlete and entertainer. The hope is to showcase African American men serving their communities and contributing to change.

Conducted a series of community photo-shoot events that created an opportunity for young African men to connect while collecting attendees narratives through shared storytelling and images. The events encompassed men and boys completing a portrait session, participating in a round table discussion and then a brief interview. This allowed each participant an opportunity to build rapport, share stories and build community.

Perception portraits are black and white photographs featuring men holding a chalkboard sign in response: 'how do you perceive yourself?' or 'how does the world perceive you?'