Kendrick Lamar's 'Element' Owes Itself To Famed Black Photographer Gordon Parks
Source: YouTube
Source: YouTube
Earlier this year Kendrick Lamar dropped the music video for "ELEMENT." which was largely inspired by a collection of photos taken by famed black photographer Gordon Parks. Now, the Gordon Parks Foundation will be hosting an exhibit showcasing the photos referenced in the video.
READ: Kendrick Lamar's "Element" Owes Itself To Famed Black Photographer Gordon Parks
Titled "ELEMENT," the exhibition will include the 1963 photo Boy With Junebug; Untitled, the 1956 photo from Parks' "Segregation Stories" series; Ethel Sharrieff, a 1963 photo from his "The White Man's Day Is Almost Over" photo essay about Black Muslims; and photos from Parks' 1948 "Harlem Gang Leader" series.
"Gordon Parks' work is continuing to have a great impact on young people – and particularly on artists like Kendrick who, use the power of imagery to examine issues related to social justice and race in our country," Peter W. Kunhardt, Jr., Executive Director of The Gordon Parks Foundation, said in a statement. "With ELEMENT the music video, Kendrick has helped to call attention to one of the most important artists of our time."
Earlier this year Okayplayer spoke with Kunhardt about Kendrick's "ELEMENT." video.
"The Gordon Parks Foundation is pleased to see Kendrick Lamar recognize Gordon Parks' important photography while working at life magazine and honoring his legacy," Kunhardt said. "The Gordon Parks Foundation uses Gordon’s creative work to educate and inspire young artists."
The "ELEMENT" exhibition will be on display at the Gordon Parks Foundation in Plesantville, New York, from December 1 to February 10.
