What I believe about Art, Design and Photography?
I believe that there is an independent and interdependent aspect of these wisdoms of communication and expression to influencing the modern world. I believe that they can inform us of who we are and our place within the construct that is the universe and can compel us to newer levels of thought and consciousness.
While I do believe we’re at a place where commercialization has opened the flood gates of appreciation and authenticity, I think we stand at a place where individualized ecosystems and communities are a must. I believe we’re at a place where we must push ourselves to become more bold and sophisticated with our messages and abilities. We can’t rely on the idea of just becoming something bigger than ourselves, we’re demanded to be more inclusive with our paradigms and experiences.
What I believe about African Americans who are Artists, Designers and Photographers?
I believe that African Americans have a unique opportunity to reshape and redesign the identities of People of Color and Ethnicity as they exist upon and contribute to the world.
Because of the unique situation of African Americans today, there could be the injection of sophisticated intellectual thought applied to the generation and consumption of Art, Design, and Photography (as well as Videography, Movie-making and other forms of storytelling. I believe—because we are diverse in nature including and incorporating the mixing of cultures on the soil of a land saturated with historical accounts of hate-fueled acts, systems and other forms of oppression—African Americans can take the lead on defining and designing a place of substance and significance around the globe.
I believe that it’s paramount for African Americans and other American individuals, entities and communities of ethnicity and culture resist the bombarding schemes of commercial systems and structures that often degrade, diminish or deny the potential of People of Color to influence and affect the narrative of significance in creating the future. I believe creative thought, communication, interaction, and collective efforts can do this.
How do I use my abilities in Art, Design and Photography to be impactful?
Being an African American man heavily commercialized by the modern day social agendas and other associated systems in play for commercial and capitalistic activities and progress, I find—and stay exploring—new and innovative ways of communicating messages of needed progress within the world for People of Color. The messages must created, cultivated and communicated in ways that get yo those core individuals, entities and communities.
My Art, Design and Photographic pieces and projects must give way and access to those communities that are best suited to be impactful and influential to the larger wholes.
Who is or are my GREATEST influences?
I must say that currently, Virgil Abloh was one of my favorites as a creative mind but not pushing the envelope sometimes. While Gordon Parks has stood as a great inspiration for being a Man of Color to break into the field of photography, I must say that Jean-Michael Basquiat will always be of heavy influence to me.
At the end of it all, I don’t want to make noise to be heard or seen many, I just want to have created good artistic projects and pieces.
—Liam Ian Black
© 2022 Liam Ian (LIAM IAN LLC)
2022.02.23.05.30.150 - Sunday