Anthony Joseph Barboza

Place: New Bedford

Born: 1944

Biography:

Anthony Barboza is an American photographer, historian, artist and writer. He was born in 1944 in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and has roots originating from Cape Verde. He began his career in commercial art more than forty years ago and crossed over to the fine arts, where he continues to contribute to the American art scene. Barboza's work is inspired by African-American thought and has been exhibited in public and private galleries, and prestigious museums and educational institutions worldwide. He is well known for his photographic work of jazz musicians from the 1970s – '80s, which are featured in his book 'Black Borders', published in 1980 with a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Barboza's signature effect in his photographs is achieved through the careful use of lighting and shadows, manipulation of the backdrop, measured adjustments to shutter speeds, composition, and many other techniques and mediums at his command. His most recent conceptual photographic artwork exhibit, 'Black Dreams/White Sheets', has toured internationally and was shown for the first time in New York City at the Bill Hodges Gallery in November and December 2010. Barboza takes a critical look at the role and experiences of the African diaspora in the historical as well as contemporary context of race, sexuality, gender, politics, and social issues in American society and culture.