feature: canadian photographer jeremy watson breaths new life into youth culture with stunning series “afro blue”

The youth are taking over! But you already knew that.

A fresh wave of artistry is making itself known, as young creatives- specifically young creatives of color- reclaim their heritage with essentially potent expression. 17 year old, Toronto-based photographer Jeremy Watson stands at the frontlines of this movement with his latest series “Afro Blue”. Balancing the dynamics of color with the strength and presence of the black body, he beautifully highlights the purity of youth while harnessing the power of ancestry.

In his own words: “I want to make art for black kids. Black kids who feel stuck living to their stereotype and who feel like they can’t be excellent. A lot of black youth feel afraid to step into their creative side without judgement or if they do so they’re not considered black. There is such a false representation of what blackness is in the media and I want to challenge this false definition.”

In this brilliant project, he does just that; featuring peers from his community, Watson not only challenges stereotype, but poses a call-to-action, channeling the essence of the traditional African portrait and embracing the spirituality and necessity of its influence. “Afro Blue”- though an ongoing project- has already done its job, and in widening the spectrum of art as a whole, this photographer is shifting the narrative one medium at a time. Check out some of my favorite pieces below!

By Cree B. McClellan, AFROPUNK contributor

 Models: @racquelpate, @_tavier, @kiahxfrancis,@viovcee, @ekowstone

MUA: @dark_organic

Photography: Jeremy Watson