PLAYGROUND DETROIT presents Black + _______ (“Black plus Blank”), a solo exhibition by emerging artist Lo Braden, also known as Lo Cayne, on view February 11 through March 11, 2023.
Braden’s documented subjects are Black people whose identities include various sexual orientations, gender, disability, and ages demonstrating the individual ways they express themselves through their style or dress.
Their portraits shine light on those who are most often excluded from the mainstream narrative of American Black Identity.
Black people are not a monolith. There are many of us who stand at the intersection of identities- Black and gay. Black and disabled. Black and non-binary. Many people even identify as all of the above. I want those who view this body of work to realize that there is a range of diversity across Black culture and identities that go unseen.” – Lo Braden
Braden’s process included an open call to reach their subjects to intentionally select those included. Then, they began to engage on an intimate level with each subject to understand what or where ‘their safe space is.’ Drawing on their responses to inspire the set and location, each person was immersed in rich and vibrant colored textiles that boldly pop against melanated skin, shot with lighting effects that draw inspiration from the Harlem Renaissance, specifically renowned photographer James van Der Zee.
Lo Braden seeks to capture the essence and soul of Black people—those who have given rise to movements and cultural forces that have historically shaped, and continue to influence, American culture. Drawing from their lived experience as a Black, disabled, and queer individual, Braden channels this perspective into their work, contributing to what they envision as a new era of rebirth.
Their work aims to show the beauty and glamour of Black people through careful consideration of color theory, composition, and concepts. Subjects represent themselves wearing traditional Black hairstyles and accessories such as cowrie shells, gold rings, necklaces, bracelets, and hoop earrings that are symbolic and associated with Black culture. “The purpose behind my portrait series is to capture how Black people present themselves and showcase them in a way that will redefine and at the same time, reference portraits from the time of the Harlem Renaissance.”
Social stigmas and cultural stereotypes that affect individuals every day also proliferate across social media. Most algorithms favor or elevate people who are likely to be perceived to be able-bodied, straight, and cis-gendered. However, in contrast, social media accounts of those who identify as something outside the ’norm’ are even alienated and discriminated against online and do not receive the same engagement or recognition. If they do receive widespread public reach, oftentimes their individual experiences are not taken seriously, even questioned or judged negatively. Lo Braden’s work redefines what it means to be “Black +_____,” to break this negativity to reflect their own community and individuals they see as worthy of the spotlight.
In addition to the exhibition, Braden will host individual portrait sessions throughout the duration of the exhibit, on Saturday and Sunday by appointment to document those who want to step in front of their lens. The portrait sessions are available on a sliding scale at a reduced rate. “I’m excited to connect with more people during these individual photoshoots to provide an opportunity [for them] to also be a part of this experience,” Braden explains.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Lo Braden is a recipient of the Emerging Artist Fellowship Award which recognizes artists who are early in their careers with ambitious goals and who demonstrate artistic potential through creative risk-taking along with a clear vision of what they seek to produce and present. Selected artists each create a body of excellent artwork, gain industry experience, knowledge, and mentorship, and participate in community programming. Artists were chosen based on their artistic excellence and dedication. The goal of the fellowship is to identify, celebrate and elevate emerging Detroit artistic excellence by providing much-needed resources and is supported by The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation as a Knight Arts Challenge Detroit 2019 winning project.
