Steven Anthony Johnson, II draws, documents, and archives intimate scenes and histories in an effort to reframe the way we talk about Blackness, Queerness and the realities of Black Trans Parenthood. Thier drawing and installation-based documentary practice traverses afro-diasporic narratives and dream stewardship of both genetic and chosen familial bonds impacted by socio-economic disenfranchisement, violence, and geographical displacement. This living archive tackles the Black Imagination, Queer/Trans dream cultivation, and Afro-Futurism but also focus’ on Johnson’s own struggles of understanding Motherhood through a Transfemme experience.
Image: Steven Anthony Johnson, II, Cynthia Taylor, 2024. Charcoal, graphite, watercolor, and wax pencil on paper mounted on Sintra Panel. 72 x 54 inches. Image courtesy of the artist.