Tyler Mitchell Has The Gift To Connect Us All
His artistry is described as, “ a visual representation of Black life that emphasizes empowerment, play and self determination.” Already Tyler holds several accolades for his body of work, including being the first black photographer to shoot a cover for Vogue. The Beyonce September issue of 2018 was an iconic representation of two creative ecosystems sharing space to collaborate on a project that could be loved and enjoyed by an entire community.
Tyler’s art encourages discussion around black utopias, the beauty of our bodies and the natural world, and of human desires. Much of his work is inspired by his collective experiences living in major cities like Atlanta and Brooklyn. His years of training and self-discovery have allowed him to explore the use of techniques like working with pastels, shadows, and greenery to meticulously portray his interpretation of the Black diaspora and human nature.
Though his career is just beginning, Tyler has paved the way for other Black artists to make a name for themselves in the world of art and storytelling. I appreciate his willingness to showcase the beauty of our Black bodies and the world we inhabit. Indulging in Tyler’s art connects you to his relationships with boyhood, manhood, beauty, nature - and from conception to execution - Tyler has used his camera and knowledge of storytelling to translate these themes into purposeful subject matter, telling stories of people who are equal parts ferocious and soft. His gift is shifting the landscape of storytelling and visual representation to allow for an influx of dialogue and connection.
Not everyone will acknowledge the shared experience around being human. Yet, Tyler Mitchell offers us the chance to let go and surrender to the richness of life. Through his mastery of a lifelong practice we get to experience belonging and acceptance. It’s his dutiful nature that’s deserving of recognition, and it's his inclination for creativity and a wilful spirit that’s allowed Tyler to suggest a lens we can choose to see each other with. I have no choice but to continue to shower him with praise for his commitment to brilliance in the arts - his accomplishments are sure to be limitless because a high enough ceiling never could exist.
