[Art Attack] Photographer IslandBoi: A tribute to black beauty

Photography is the science, technique and art of capturing images. Whether captured by film or digitally, the way a picture is taken can invoke many emotions. 

In 1800, a British inventor by the name of Thomas Wedgwood made the first known attempt at capturing an image by using white paper and silver nitrate.  Though Wedgewood was able to make an impression on paper, the pictures soon blurred.  In 1826 or 27, French inventor Nicèphore Nièpce produced “view from the window at Le Gras” which is the earliest recorded picture captured by a lens. Though the exposure time was several hours to days, it was the beginning of something magical. Photography has since evolved to many unique forms.  Let’s learn more about IslandBoi and his photography.

IslandBoi born Joey Rosado, is a lifestyle, fashion and beauty photographer. Formerly a doorman in a New York City luxury residential property and a stock associate at Party City – the popular party accessory store, Rosado has grown as a respected photographer and an appreciator of black beauty. He began honing his skill in 2007.

IslandBoi is known for amazingly seizing the beauty of black men and women; especially the latter.

In 2015, he began an on-going project named “Melanina,” he explained to AfroPunk: “The title is Spanish for “Melanin.”  “I photograph portraits of black women (and men) in their natural beauty. I want them to embrace their true inner natural self, to love the skin they’re in, to feel unapologetic, to find perfection in their imperfections and to uplift and inspire others.”

IslandBoi’s work has been featured in the October 2016 issue of Glamour. Ericka Hart, a breast cancer survivor and model featured in the fashion spread said, “They center black and brown models in all of their work. I am honoured to have worked with them, thank you not only for a breathtaking photo, but for showing me community.”

IslandBoi explained in 2015, “I want to show the world the more positive, beautiful and inspiring way everyone is than what society and the media of today portray.” “Everyone is perfect in their own unique way.”