The Rochester Beacon featured my work in an article titled "Photo Exhibition Explores Intimacies of Black Life" by Roblyn Powley on November 8, 2021. This piece highlights my new solo exhibition at the George Eastman Museum, "Joshua Rashaad McFadden: I Believe I’ll Run On," which opened on November 5, 2021. The exhibit delves into the roles of race, sexuality, and gender in the lives of Black Americans, continuing the multilayered exploration of Black life that has been central to my career.
The article underscores my involvement in documenting the Black Lives Matter protests, particularly following the deaths of George Floyd and Daniel Prude. As an assistant professor of photography at RIT, I consider myself both an artist and a social justice advocate, connecting deeply with the emotions of the protesters. This empathy allows me to create images that draw viewers into the moment, capturing the pain, anger, and hopelessness, as well as the resilience and unity of the Black community.
The exhibition at the George Eastman Museum serves as a retrospective of my early career, featuring work from several series, including the award-winning "After Selma" and the autobiographical "Love Without Justice," debuting at this venue. The Rochester Beacon article highlights my achievements, including three first-place International Photography Awards and recognition as one of LensCulture’s top emerging talents. This feature underscores the significance of my work in exploring Black masculinity, the violence and racism faced by Black Americans, and the tenderness and love within the Black community.