The New Negro Escapist Social and Athletic Club (Emmett) Possibly 2008 - 2022

Rashid Johnson made this black and white photograph of a man wearing a suit, maybe without a date? It’s mirrored, so we get two for the price of one. The artist is having fun with the surface, creating a doubling effect with simple means. I am always interested in the materiality of the art work, and how that comes into play. Here, the monochrome palette brings the textures forward. Look at the difference in the blacks of the background and the coat. Light bounces off the planes of the face, in contrast to the darkness of the ground. This is a crisp image, with sharp lines, but when you look at the hair, it blooms into this crazy cloud of gray. Johnson is interested in identity, race and class, and the title is a mouthful, but I think it says it all. This photo reminds me of some of Lorna Simpson’s work, where identity is also explored through portraiture. Ultimately, the meaning of this piece is up to you.