Jiana Johnson: The jubilant art of being black

SEPTEMBER 7 - OCTOBER 8, 2021

PROJECT SPACE 340 located in the Arcos Building, 340 Central Ave.

Screenwriter, editorial photographer, and Ringling College Creative Writing student, Jiana Marita Johnson, began her creative journey at 14 to better understand the beautiful complexities of Black culture. Shy by nature, Johnson became adept at the art of observation, becoming fascinated by the spoken and unspoken truths expressed in human interactions. “Most of my pictures capture a moment of truth when someone is their most authentic self,” she says.

In “The Jubilant Art of Being Black,” Johnson explores themes of truth, authenticity, and Blackness. The photo exhibition features pictures taken in South Central Los Angeles of family members and friends close enough to call family. Capturing the silent in-between moments in which her Black subjects exist beyond stereotypes and generational pain, Johnson hopes to evoke a universal solidarity in our need to be understood. A short film celebrating Black identity in America will accompany the exhibition.