Feeling Seen in Campbell Addy's First Monograph

"Growing up as a Black, queer ex-Jehovah's Witness, I was always very obviously seen," says Campbell Addy, "but I never felt truly seen." Having established himself in recent years as one of the leading voices of a new, more diverse generation now leading the way across magazines, campaigns, and popular culture, the British-Ghanaian photographer considers himself privileged to be in the position to change that for others.

Addy's first monograph combines his arresting editorial and celebrity commissions for magazines like i-D, Dazed, and Vogue Italia with his captivating personal work, much of which focuses on the intersectionality of underrepresented identities. Its title, Feeling Seen, reflects a recent transformation of the media landscape as the traditionally-centered white, male, cisgender, heterosexual narratives gradually give way to more representative perspectives. Addy, who also served as a judge for our inaugural photography grant, acknowledges his position in a long lineage of trailblazers, not the first—he points to James Barnor, Ajamu X, and Simon Frederick as inspirations—and certainly not the last. "All I hope for is that this monograph can be a stepping stone for future (and past) generations of Black artists to find inspiration, find solace, find empowerment, and find discussions," he adds, "to feel seen and to be heard."

As the culture takes steps towards greater inclusion, Addy says he hopes his work inspires others to not only feel seen but to also see themselves. "I think it's vital for us to remember that while our accolades and triumphs are important in these mainstream realms, we too can and should create our own communities to thrive and prosper in," he explains. "I want viewers to also remember we are enough within our communities and by ourselves. The validation we get is important, but also not the end-all-be-all. Finding validation within ourselves and/or feeling seen and heard is the most important thing—first and foremost."

Feeling Seen is out now. Read this story and many more in print by ordering CERO04 here.