The Boca Raton Museum of Art has always had an amazing reputation of putting together some of the best art from around the world. I was in attendance for their latest collaboration with nationally acclaimed photographer Reginald Cunningham. The world premiere exhibition is curated by Kelli Bodle and has already been requested by other museums to travel to their cities too. Boca Museum commissioned Cunningham for a new series of photographs to honor the nearby historically Black neighborhood of Pearl City. Pearl City is one of the earliest and longest lasting African American neighborhoods in the South. It is the oldest community in Boca Raton and was built in 1915.
Cunningham photographed not only the residents of Pearl City but also some of the city’s most historic landmarks. His exhibition at Boca Museum features his photographed work along with audio oral histories, video and personal mementos passed down through families for generations.
As a fellow photographer/journalist it is exciting to see a photographer who looks like you doing great things and continuing to move the culture forward. It is inspiring for young African Americans to know that they can do more than just be a rapper or play sports. Cunningham is a perfect example of someone who has not only found both passion and purpose in his work but is spreading a message that will leave a legacy and an impact. Cunningham is a photographer and influencer whose work focuses on urban style and portraiture. His editorial/activist lens as well as his images are at the forefront of contemporary photography.
Entitled “Black Pearls” this exhibition will highlight Pearl City and those who have kept the community alive. The exhibition will be accompanied by a full-color catalog featuring an introduction to the artist by Dr. Imani Cheers and an historical essay on Pearl City by Dr. Candace Cunningham.
This is an exhibition that you do not want to miss. Pearl City is just one of many of these historically black neighborhoods that exist across the nation and I believe both the stories and the people of these cities should have a platform to share, educate and inspire. This exhibit is for all ages, backgrounds, nationalities and people to learn and appreciate a part of history.
About the Artist:
Reginald Cunningham is a prominent Washington DC-based photographer that works in the dynamic fields of concert, fashion, and activist photography. Cunningham only fully embraced photography as recently as 2017, but within just five years, his work graced the cover of British Vogue’s 2020 September issue. Additionally, his photographs have been featured in international publications such as “The Washington Post,” “Essence,” “HuffPost,” “Ebony,” and “Buzzfeed.” Throughout his career, Cunningham has made his focus the celebration of Black talent. Between his Master of Arts in Media + Communications, his established skill in fine art photography, and his interest in promoting revolutionary images, Cunningham has established a distinguished career path; It is a rare artist whose social activism matches their artistry.
