Thedarkroommasters

What is The Darkroom Masters?

Under the "safe light”of the dark room, Russell Frederick and Anderson Zaca, take us on a fine arts journey to discuss traditional printmaking, photography and the life journey of the some of the most important Black & Brown printmakers and photographers of our time. For too long, the rich legacy of these photographers has not received it’s proper due - leaving so many of this elite class of printmakers unknown. Zaca and Russell’s unique approach to interviewing their colleagues in-action, creates an intimate and authentic exploration of their life’s journey, perspective on the industry, and political importance of their work. Situating itself in the footsteps of the Kamoinge legacy, Darkroom Masters was conceived of a desire to tell stories through the lens of some of the most necessary yet under recognized Black and Brown photographers of our time. As both student and teacher conversing with their mentors and contemporaries, Zaca and Russell cast light on old and new voices while elevating a narrative that is rarely heard or celebrated. Recorded in their element at Penumbra Foundation Darkroom Studios with the support of Fotocare, they film these masters doing what they do best, photographing, printing and telling stories about their journey. The conversations are a reflection of their experiences in the industry, the importance of a cultural lens and the unique contributions of photographers/printers. This doc series collection includes names such as Beuford Smith, Joseph Rodriguez, Jeffrey Henson-Scales, Adama Delphine Fawundu and more.

“We feel blessed to be in conversation with our friends, our mentors, and our contemporaries about the past and future of our art, the industry and the significance of our contributions to the cannon of photography.” Russell Frederick & Anderson Zaca

Press Release

Grab interest

Photoville Spotlights the Untold Stories of Black & Brown Master Printmakers

The DarkRoom Masters

Date: Saturday, September 18, 2021

Brooklyn, New York, 18 September 2021

— The DarkRoom Masters, a documentary video series featuring Black & Brown master photographers and printers, launches this weekend in the “10 Under 10” at New York City’s famed photography festival Photoville. The video series will be featured in the opening night events at Bridge Park, Pier 1, on 18 September at 7 p.m. EDT.

The DarkRoom Masters is a newly launched project by local photographers and director Russell Frederick and Anderson Zaca. Under the "safe light”of the darkroom, Russ and Zaca take the audience on a fine art journey to discuss traditional printmaking, photography and the politics of printing. The unique documentary is a cross between LeBron James’s The Shop and Kamau Bell’s

United Shades of America, taking an authentic and up close look at the lives and craftsmanship of some of the country's best photographers and printers who have been overlooked and undervalued by the industry.

“For too long the rich legacy of these photographers has not received visibility or appropriate recognition, leaving so many of this elite class of printmakers unknown and under valued” says Fredrick, an educator and VP of Kamoinge Collective.

Through banter and laughs, Zaca and Russell explore the unique techniques of traditional printmaking, the history and legacy of Black & Brown efforts to gain recognition and the political significance of these photographers' body of work. “We really wanted to capture these masters doing what they do best, shooting and printing. And for us, as both students and colleagues, we are able to get

real about cultural identity and the evolution of the craft” says Zaca. The series features known names such as Beuford Smith, Joseph Rodriguez and Adama D. Fawundu in their element at Penumbra Foundation Studios.

Together, Russell and Anderson take an interdisciplinary approach as educators, activists, anthropologists—exploring the critical role these photographers played in changing the perception of communities of color by sharing their distinct view of the world. “We feel blessed to be in conversation with our friends, our mentors, and our contemporaries about the past and the future of our art

and the industry and the significance of our contributions to the cannon of photography” notes the producers.

Find out more & Joining the Mailing https://thedarkroommasters.com/

Follow On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedarkroommasters/

Media contact and Interview Arrangements: Ramona Ortega

E-Mail: ramona.ortega@gmail.com

The art of photography in the darkroom with Zaca and Russ