The Center for Photography at Woodstock (CPW) is currently hosting a comprehensive solo exhibition titled "Between a Memory and Me," showcasing the compelling photographic work of Rahim Fortune, an emerging artist born in 1994. The exhibition, which runs through January 11, 2026, presents Fortune's exploration of American identity through his intimate documentation of Black American communities and their deep connections to the Southern landscape.
Born in Austin, Texas, and raised within the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, Fortune employs photography as a powerful tool to examine the complexities of American identity. His work focuses particularly on the intricate relationships between the families and communities he photographs and the land they call home, while also investigating the rich histories that remain embedded within the landscape of the American South and the cultural traditions these communities continue to preserve and pass down through generations.
The centerpiece of the exhibition features Fortune's striking black-and-white photographs from his acclaimed "Hardtack" project, which masterfully weaves together tender and reverent portraits of individuals, expansive landscape imagery, and intimate close-detail studies. Through his focused lens on Black American life, these powerful images both honor the historical legacy of photography while simultaneously challenging and reframing the conventional photographic representation of the American South that has dominated the medium for decades.
The work carries profound personal significance for Fortune, as it emerged from his own search for connection, kinship, and a sense of home following the devastating loss of both of his parents. This deeply personal journey of grief and healing infuses his photographs with an authentic emotional resonance that connects viewers to both the artist's experience and the broader themes of memory, loss, and belonging that permeate throughout his body of work.
In addition to the "Hardtack" series, the exhibition presents Fortune's newest color photographs, which were created specifically in response to his engagement with the Texas African American Photography archive. These vibrant new works are being exhibited publicly for the first time, offering visitors an exclusive opportunity to witness the evolution of Fortune's artistic vision and his continued exploration of African American visual culture and history.
The multimedia presentation also includes Fortune's contemplative short film, which takes viewers on a meditative journey through the fields and rural roads of Texas. The film demonstrates Fortune's keen eye for detail as it lingers lovingly on quiet, exquisite moments that might otherwise go unnoticed, creating a moving visual poem that complements his still photography work.
This comprehensive presentation includes several new photographs that were originally commissioned by Aperture and Documentary Arts, further establishing Fortune's growing reputation within the contemporary photography community. The exhibition is located at CPW's gallery space at 25 Dederick Street in Kingston, New York, and additional information about the artist and exhibition can be found at www.cpw.org.
