Black History Month: Al J Thompson
© Al J Thompson - Rooted
For Black History Month we are featuring both emerging and established black photographers who highlight their community.
Al J Thompson, a New York based photographer, conveys the nuances of the circumstances he sees as “societal turmoil.” Born on the island of Jamaica, Thompson emigrated to a New York suburb in 1996. He took note of the drastic changes occurring around what he once knew as his home, changed by gentrification. The perception that all things relate drives Thompson’s rhythmic approach to photography and creates a subtle poetic dialogue in the process.
Spring Valley is a suburban town located 40 minutes out of New York City, where Thompson was brought up. As the land gets divided between the Jewish and African diasporas, the politics of the town has changed, affecting the society around it. The photograph presented above is from Remnants of the Exodus, an ongoing project that explores the sense of loss and rejection and reflects on the people involved.
You can view Thompson's full project and find out about his other projects here.
