texas isaiah // Flowers at Your Feet: A Cherished Horizon

april 6 - june 1, 2024

Transcending traditional photography within a perpetual dreamscape, Texas Isaiah’s Flowers at Your Feet: a Cherished Horizon seamlessly blends classical techniques with sacred spaces, specifically altars, to intricately intertwine the diverse facets of blooming Black trans-masculine identity.

Continuing the visual conversation from his 2021 residency at The Studio Museum in Harlem, this exhibition unfolds through a diverse spectrum of photographic languages, traversing varied times and locations. Within this visual journey, textures of contemplation, awakening, authoritativeness, rest, and emotional/spiritual movement come to life. Texas Isaiah's artistry is evident in the natural expressions of sitters within photographs, weaving narratives of remembrance, prayer, contemplation, authority, nostalgia, devotion, and tenderness. In a distinctive turn, Texas Isaiah assumes the role of the sole unseen sitter, remaining invisible to the public.

Functioning as an observer of these unfolding moments, he introduces a layer of intimacy and intrigue. This mysterious presence prompts the audience to reflect on the hidden perspective within the vividly captured narratives, adding a unique dimension to the exhibition's exploration of yearning and connection.

Moreover, the decision to pivot from traditional natural light to other lighting materials, while maintaining a connection to ambient sources like the sun, underscores the artist's evolving vision. The spotlight, reminiscent of the sun's glow, imbues the domestic space with a sacred aura, setting aside space for self-discovery within the exhibition's sacred haven without extending an explicit invitation to the audience.

By Reu Johnson Balenciaga for Flowers at Your Feet: a Cherished Horizon

Love Me In Whatever Way (Reprise) // 2024 // Color Inkjet Print on Fuji Matte Archival Print Paper //

Installation Images

Coming Soon….

Installation Images by

About the Artist

Texas Isaiah

Texas Isaiah [He/They] is an award-winning, first-generation visual narrator born in Brooklyn, NY, and currently residing in Los Angeles, CA. In 2020, Texas Isaiah became one of the first Trans photographers to photograph a Vogue edition cover (Janet Mock, Patrisse Cullors, Jesse Williams, and Janaya Future Khan) and a TIME cover (Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union-Wade). He is one of the 2018 grant recipients of Art Matters and the 2019 recipient of the Getty Images: Where We Stand Creative Bursary grant. He is currently a 2020-21 artist in residence at The Studio Museum in Harlem. 

In 2012, he created "BLACKNESS," a visual project that documented and celebrated the African diaspora's diversity across the spectrums of gender, sexuality, and ethnic heritage. At this time, he began to evaluate the broad visual needs of Black people, specifically Black trans, non-binary and gender-expansive individuals, within the larger photographic canon. As Texas Isaiah found himself photographing individuals who thought they didn't have a place as a sitter within photography, his approach began to prioritize a more thoughtful and compassionate visual world. He not only believes everyone has a right to be photographed if they consent, but he believes photography can be a healing mechanism despite the historical violence it has inflicted on communities. Although he has worked in a studio and various indoor settings, his interest in photographing individuals outdoors comes from personal curiosity and connection with nature. 

As an autodidact, Texas Isaiah is interested in paving unconventional paths within the art, editorial, and commercial industries. He hopes to continue his photographic journey and create more affirming and supportive work environments for others because it allows us to self-actualize and meet our highest potential.