Barkley Hendricks was not only a groundbreaking portrait artist but also a prolific street photographer. His journey through photography paralleled his celebrated painting career, capturing the essence of urban Black Americans with the same keen observational eye and aesthetic precision found in his oil paintings. From his early days in North Philadelphia to his academic pursuits at Yale and teaching tenure at Connecticut College, Hendricks' camera was a constant companion, serving both as a tool for artistic exploration and a means of documenting the world around him (Harvard Magazine).
Hendricks' photography archive spans over five decades, offering a rich and diverse window into the artist's creative spirit. His work in photography, much like his paintings, reflects a deep engagement with his subjects, showcasing individuals who exhibit personal flair, strength, or an air of "cool." These photographs go beyond mere documentary snapshots, evolving into elegant compositions brimming with vitality as standalone works. Whether capturing youths with boomboxes, stylish women's legs and shoes, or other subjects exuding personal style, Hendricks' photographs are celebrated for their ability to convey confidence, defiance, pride, beauty, and joy (Harvard Magazine) (Barkley L. Hendricks).
His astute ability to capture the ways people chose to fashion and present themselves reflects a profound understanding of self-expression and identity. More than just preserving moments in time, Hendricks' photographs engage in a dialogue with viewers about visibility, representation, and the human condition. The focus on fashion and presentation in his photography complements his broader exploration of black masculinity and identity in his painted works, challenging stereotypes and celebrating black bodies' beauty and complexity (Harvard Magazine).
Hendricks' photography, like his painting, was not confined to one genre but explored multiple modes of creativity. His work highlights the intersection of subject and object, viewer and viewed, making his reflections on selfhood, status, and the act of seeing not only relevant but revelatory in today's context. Through his lens, Hendricks offered a unique perspective on everyday life, characterized by a playful and discerning eye, capturing moments of pleasure in being seen and the desire to be acknowledged in one's full humanity (Harvard Magazine).