Dr. Fahamu Pecou & Jonathan Mannion
About Dr. Fahamu Pecou
Dr. Fahamu Pecou is an interdisciplinary artist and scholar whose works combine observations on hip-hop, fine art, and popular culture to address concerns around modern representa- tions of Black men. Through paintings, performance art, and academic work, Dr. Pecou confronts the performance of Black masculinity and Black identity, challenging and expanding the reading, performance, and expressions of Blackness.
About Jonathan Mannion
Jonathan Mannion is one of the country’s most acclaimed portrait photographers and a singular sensation within the world of hip-hop. His twenty-five-year career includes over three hundred album covers ranging from Aaliyah to DJ Khaled; notable advertising campaigns including Beats by Dre’s “Straight Outta _____”, Cadillac, and Bushmills; and editorial work for The Fader, Vibe Magazine, and Complex. Jonathan has photographed over five hundred of the most important rappers, actors, athletes, artists, designers, and tastemakers of his era.
For decades, Jonathan has turned his love of hip-hop and popular culture into a career that has shaped the public personas of globally recognized names. Through hours of research and diligent examination of their lives, Jonathan is able to create the conditions for talent to mentally step into their most desired selves on set before he even puts a camera in his hand. A master at his craft, Jonathan produces images that have defined legendary artists and entire eras of cultural iconography, which is why he is still in demand with groundbreaking talent today.
Project 270 - Georgia
“African spiritual philosophies teach us that the elements of our reality are not in irreconcilable opposition. Instead, they exist as harmonious phenomena, symbolizing the interconnectedness of light and dark, life and death. These elements are not separate from each other or from us; they shape our existence and provide valuable teachings. Natural elements, like fire, have both destructive and constructive qualities. Fire, as one of the primal elements, can be dangerous and destructive. However, it also provides warmth and light.‘The Fire This Time’ is not simply about destroy- ing the systems that have historically oppressed and deprived certain groups while asserting the superiority of others. Instead, it represents cleansing and purging our history to pave the way for a more productive and fruitful future. It is an opportunity to learn from the past, ac- knowledge the mistakes, and create a better world for all.”–DR. FAHAMU PECOU“It is a rare and serendipitous moment where purpose, truth, timing, and creativity align. For many years, I have admired the work of a brilliant mind and talent, Dr. Fahamu Pecou, and wanted to photograph him for the history books. This moment felt like the ideal one to come together for a meaningful cause. We established an idea that would allow the creation of a visual rallying cry to inspire people to VOTE.Beyond my admiration of Fahamu is a mutual respect and an aligned vision for justice. During the 2020 election there existed a danger of complacency that could have affected people getting to the polls. Our approach for the collaboration took me to Atlanta for a photo session with Fahamu which led to the creation of the poster image that would then be interpreted beautifully through his hand.A single seed of inspiration from the magnificent James Baldwin was all that we needed to spark the fire this time. May it never be extinguished.It is an artist’s responsibility to make work that guides both reflection and action, especially when faced with a decision that could have unimaginable life altering consequences.It is with great pride that I contributed to this powerful visual.” –JONATHAN MANNION