Decolonization and Diversity in Contemporary Photography

Focusing on fine art and documentary photography, this book provides a racially diverse and culturally inclusive version of photography history and its contemporary manifestations.

Who?s documenting the evolution of photography as it is happening now from an inclusive, transnational perspective? This is the challenge this book aims to address. The collection is the print manifestation of the Dodge and Burn art photography blog actively published from 2007 to 2018, including a selection of 35 interviews with photographers and art professionals from underrepresented communities?those of African, Asian, Latinx/é and Native American heritage. It captures fascinating accounts of artists of color and the broad range of their challenges and successes: aspirations, photo series and photobooks, earning a living, discrimination, photography education, photographic practice, socio-political conversations, and more.

Decolonization and Diversity in Contemporary Photography is a powerful collection that celebrates and exhibits the talents of underrepresented artists. It is essential reading for both photography students and aspiring photographers.

?This compilation of interviews, critical essays, and a resource guide is a cherished gift, especially to those long-time fans of the Dodge & Burn photography blog.  Readers are left with an intimate understanding of each photo-based artist?s distinct path as practicing image makers, along with narrated insights into their joys and challenges. Mestrich deftly addresses what it means to be a photographer swimming against the currents of the more canonical history of the medium. So too does she demonstrate how a life in photography is as dynamic and nuanced as the diversity of people who embody its range of artistic possibilities.?

- Emilie Chesnutt Boone, Assistant Professor of Art History, New York University

"Equality, diversity and inclusion are on the tip of everyone?s tongue right now and yet we are slow to change. This new book introduces the story behind the Dodge & Burn blog and brings us 35 distinct interviews with contemporary photographers. These are 21st century artists who are determined to give a more balanced view of the world than has gone before in photography. We need texts like these to wake us up, to help create a history for photography by Black, Brown and Indigenous peoples across the globe. Let?s dare to dream, there?s no going back."

- Anna Fox, Professor of Photography, University for the Creative Arts, Farnham