In a recent episode of Equity in Focus, Kevin E. Hooks delved into the fascinating world of visual journalism and multimedia artistry with Bayete Ross Smith, a distinguished artist whose diverse work encompasses photography, film, and new media. Ross Smith’s artistic journey is a testament to the power of creative mediums in challenging societal norms and broadening perspectives.
The genesis of Bayete Ross Smith
Ross Smith introduced himself as a multimedia, multidisciplinary artist engaging with photography, film, video installation, 3D objects, and new media. His foray into art began with a background in visual journalism, transitioning from a newspaper photographer to exploring fine art and various storytelling techniques. This unique blend enables him to craft projects that encourage viewers to reconsider their worldviews.
Discussing his global perspective, Ross Smith emphasized the importance of telling balanced stories worldwide. He argued that stories often come framed within a specific cultural lens, which can exclude critical details. By incorporating diverse cultural narratives, we can foster a more inclusive understanding of global issues, enriching our collective human knowledge.
Ross Smith highlighted how exclusion plays a crucial role in storytelling. Just as a photographer decides what to include or leave out of a frame, journalists and artists select which aspects of a story to share. This selection process can significantly impact how stories are perceived, underscoring the need for a comprehensive view that considers all possible angles.
The intersection of art and social justice
The artist discussed his intentional path toward combining art with social justice. Initially not framing his work within this context, Ross Smith’s journey from photojournalism to a broader artistic practice naturally gravitated towards highlighting underexplored social issues. This evolution reflects his commitment to edutainment, using art to educate and engage audiences on important topics.
Ross Smith’s innovative approach led to an artist-in-residence position at Columbia Law School, a role that allowed him to influence future policymakers directly. By integrating art into the legal education process, he aimed to challenge preconceived notions and encourage a more nuanced understanding of law and justice.
The conversation also touched on the Presidential Leadership Scholars Program, a transformative experience for Ross Smith. This initiative, co-founded by Presidents Bush and Clinton, exemplifies the power of cross-political collaboration in addressing societal challenges. It provided Ross Smith with a platform to refine his ideas and engage with a diverse array of thought leaders.
Question Bridge: Black Males
One of Ross Smith’s seminal projects, Question Bridge: Black Males, showcased at the Sundance Film Festival, exemplifies his ability to use art to bridge societal divides. By facilitating a dialogue among Black men across different backgrounds, the project offered a nuanced exploration of Black male identity in America, underscoring the diversity within this community.
Ross Smith emphasized the importance of meeting audiences where they are, employing various mediums to challenge viewers to reassess their preconceptions. Projects like “Our Kind of People” exemplify his strategy of prompting internal reflection, rather than dictating conclusions, allowing for more profound personal and societal insights.
When asked about his inspirations across film, art, and social justice for a hypothetical final opus, Ross Smith cited Spike Lee, Kerry James Marshall, and Ida B. Wells as pivotal figures. Their work exemplifies the blend of creativity, narrative power, and commitment to justice that Ross Smith aspires to in his own career.
Summary
Bayete Ross Smith’s conversation with Kevin Hooks on Equity in Focus offered a deep dive into the intersection of art, storytelling, and social change. By challenging audiences to look beyond their preconceptions and engage with diverse narratives, Ross Smith’s work not only illuminates the power of visual media but also its potential to foster a more inclusive and understanding world.
AI assisted in summarizing this episode of Equity in Focus.
