The journey through these preserved moments of the past transcends nostalgia; it is an intimate exploration of my lineage. I am drawn to these sepia-tinged fragments of history, for they are windows into the lives of ancestors I have never had the privilege to meet. Within this ancestral trove, a singular figure emerges as both an artist and a patriarch – my grandfather. He wielded a camera as one of his instruments of choice, making pictures of not only our family's most cherished memories, but also the broader community in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
The bond between myself and my grandfather, John Thomas Gibson, is a unique and profound connection that transcends generations and artistic passion. Even though I never had the chance to meet him; we share not only a familial tie, but also the love for photography. Our connection is deeply rooted in a shared name, a shared craft, and a shared legacy. As a photographer, I walk in his footsteps, not just technically, but emotionally and spiritually.
My journey as an artist is intrinsically linked to this visual journey through the past. I see it as my duty to preserve these fragments of history, for they hold the key to understanding not only my family's legacy but also the broader visual history of Black America in the 20th century.
