Charleston Welcomes Joshua Parks: A Journey into Art and History
Charleston is buzzing with excitement as local photographer and filmmaker Joshua Parks prepares to kick off his residency at the Gibbes Museum of Art later this month. With roots tracing back to Sol Legare Island, Parks is making waves not only in Charleston but also in the world of cultural storytelling, using photography and film to share the rich history and experiences of the African American community.
A Black-Owned Bookstore with a Passion for the Past
His journey started at Sankofa, a beloved Black-owned bookstore in Washington D.C., where he worked while earning his degree in political science at Howard University. The bookstore was more than just a place to shop for books. Parks describes it as a “diverse intellectual vibe” that opened his eyes to the importance of storytelling rooted in history. The owners, famed filmmakers Shirikiana Aina and Haile Gerima, inspired Parks as they emphasized the powerful connection between the past and the future.
Returning to His Roots
After earning his degree, Parks returned to his ancestral home of Charleston to pursue a master’s degree in public history at the College of Charleston. He became a key figure in documenting the African American experience in South Carolina, serving as the principal photographer for the Green Book of South Carolina, a travel guide designed to highlight African American cultural sites throughout the state.
Art as a Lens for Truth
When asked about his inspiration for photography, Parks shared how his family’s rich history influenced him. “My family had robust photo collections from the ’50s and ’60s. I loved looking through them,” he reflected. His uncle, a local historian, played a role in sparking Parks’s curiosity about their past, making history come alive. “You learn the truth when you investigate your own history and the history of the world,” he noted.
Film and Photography: Powerful Tools of Expression
Parks’s passion for film began with watching The Battle of Algiers, a powerful movie that showcased the Algerians’ resistance against colonial rule. “It looked like you were watching it as it happens,” he recalled. It was this immersive storytelling that inspired him to explore narrative filmmaking. “I realized those are the stories I’m interested in telling—the voices of those who have been silenced,” he added.
A Mission to Highlight Underrepresented Stories
Today, Parks is committed to leveraging images as a way to reclaim and share narratives that have often been overlooked. He expressed the importance of allowing people to tell their own stories without distortion. “Images matter; they can tell a different narrative than what someone else may say,” he emphasized. He encouraged people to delve into photo archives and craft their narratives based on what they discover.
Building the Lowcountry Arts Movement
As the founder of the Lowcountry Arts Movement, Parks aims to connect Black artists and their works on both a national and international scale. His organization is working diligently to establish programs and workshops to empower artists and nourish creative endeavors in the community.
Upcoming Projects and the Gibbes Museum Residency
As Parks steps into his residency at the Gibbes Museum, he plans to focus on studio portraiture, capturing the lives and stories of everyday working Black Charlestonians. “I want to take people off the street, those who often go unnoticed, and bring them into the studio,” he shared excitedly. It promises to be an exciting endeavor that captures the essence of local life through his lens.
With the Gibbes Museum residency around the corner and a calendar full of vibrant projects, Joshua Parks is ready to make his mark. His passion for art as a means of storytelling and cultural connection shines brightly, ensuring Charleston and beyond will experience a meaningful journey through his work.
