Dawoud Bey

Dawoud Bey is an acclaimed photographer and educator known for his powerful portraits that explore issues of race, identity, and community. Born in Queens, New York, he first gained attention with his seminal series Harlem, U.S.A. (1975–79), a collection of photographs capturing the vibrancy and complexity of everyday life in Harlem. Over the decades, Bey’s work has expanded to include projects such as Class Pictures, Harlem Redux, and The Birmingham Project, which reflect on history, social justice, and the Black experience in America. His photographs often blend intimacy with social commentary, emphasizing the dignity and presence of his subjects.

In addition to his artistic career, Bey was a longtime professor at Columbia College Chicago, where he taught photography for over two decades and mentored generations of young artists. He retired in 2022 as professor emeritus, leaving behind a legacy as both a leading educator and a practicing artist. His work has been exhibited widely in major museums such as the Whitney Museum of American Art, the National Gallery of Art, and the Art Institute of Chicago, and he has been recognized with numerous honors, including a MacArthur Fellowship in 2017. Through both his teaching and art, Bey has become a vital voice in contemporary photography, using his camera to challenge perceptions and foster deeper understanding across communities.