FOREWORD
Salli Richardson Whitfield
In a world inundated with fleeting snapshots and filtered selfies, there exists a profound beauty in encountering a photograph that transcends one’s own perceptions of self.
Roger Erickson’s photographs embody this ethos, offering a mastery of sublime portraiture that not only exceeds expectations but also delves into the depths of the human spirit. It is with immense joy and a flurry of emotions that I embark on this journey of introspection and celebration of his body of work.
Roger Erickson’s lens is not confined by labels or boundaries; it is a tool of expression that traverses the realms of celebrity, music, and fashion with unparalleled grace and finesse. While he holds the distinction of being the first African American to grace the cover of Vogue Magazine with his iconic portrait of Paulina Rubio in 2003, his legacy extends far beyond accolades and achievements. His photographs have become timeless artifacts, immortalizing the essence of artists and musicians throughout the decades, shaping the very fabric of our cultural landscape.
Atrue polymath of his art form, Roger Erickson’s oeuvre spans editorial, documentary, and conceptual realms, each frame meticulously designed to evoke a sense of wonder and reverence. His portfolio is a masterful collection of photographs showcasing his unwavering dedication and passion for his art, capturing the zeitgeist of each era with unparalleled clarity and insight. From the raw energy of Eminem in the boxing ring to the ethereal presence of Snoop Dogg enveloped in swirls of smoke, Roger has the rare ability to distill the essence of his subjects into perennial moments frozen in time.
Y
et, what sets Roger apart is not just his technical prowess or his illustrious clientele; it is the profound connection he shares with his subjects, a symbiotic relationship built on trust, respect, and mutual admiration. It is this dynamic that permeates every page of this book, transforming each photograph into a chapter of an epic odyssey where the artist becomes the protagonist in their own narrative.
What captivates me about Roger’s work is his ability to seamlessly blend fantasy with reality, creating visual narratives that transcend the confines of the ordinary. His compositions are a symphony of light and shadow, each frame precisely orchestrated to evoke a sense of awe and wonder. Whether juxtaposing gritty urban landscapes with the larger-than-life personas of his subjects or transporting them to exotic locales reminiscent of a bygone era, Roger’s photographs are a testament to his boundless imagination and creative vision.
Fascinatingly enough, his affinity for urban environments was not just happenstance; it was a deliberate choice driven by both pragmatism and artistic vision. These locales, often overlooked and undervalued, served as the raw material for his creativity. Within their gritty landscapes, Roger found not only a canvas but also a profound resonance with the artists he captured through his lens. His skill lay not only in his ability to adapt but also in his talent for transforming these seemingly mundane settings into elaborate backdrops, creating scenes that breathed life into his subjects.
And then there’s his approach to lighting—a technique so masterful and transformative that it has been dubbed “hyper-realistic” by critics and connoisseurs alike. Through his outdoor use of strobe lighting deliberately balanced to overpower the ambient light, every detail is illuminated, every contour accentuated, drawing the viewer’s gaze towards the very heart of the photograph. Further illustrating Roger’s dedication to his art, his relentless pursuit of perfection, and his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Roger was born in Washington, D.C. His father, a doctor studying at Howard University, and his mother, a teacher at a school for the deaf, instilled in him a diverse upbringing. At an early age, his family relocated to Oakland, California. It was there that Roger was first introduced to the art of photography, sparked by his father’s love for capturing moments. However, it wasn’t until his senior year of high school that Roger truly found
his passion for the medium. Initially, he began by photographing his friends, but it was during the 1980s that he immersed himself into the art form, capturing aspiring models for agencies in San Francisco. His breakthrough moment came when Select Magazine, based in London, offered him the opportunity to photograph Neil Young and Crazy Horse. This pivotal experience propelled him to relocate to London to further pursue a career in editorial photography.
Roger’s journey in photography is as dynamic as it is intriguing. Initially starting as a fine art photographer, his trajectory took a significant turn upon his relocation to Los Angeles. During the 1980s, he primarily worked with 35mm cameras, specifically a Nikon FE2. But in the 1990s, as his exploration into creating more elaborate music imagery grew, Roger’s evolution saw him gravitating towards 2 1/4 cameras, particularly the Mamiya 6x7 outfitted with a 180mm lens, which swiftly became his go-to tool for editorials. It was during the vibrant and revolutionary era of ’90s Hip Hop when Roger’s artistic sensibilities found a new dimension, as he delved into conceptual imagery, drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of black cinema. This fusion of influences birthed a trademark style that would come to define his work.
Ifirst met Roger in 1992, during a publicity shoot for Mario Van Peebles’s film Posse, and our collaboration left an indelible mark on my soul. Over the past three decades, Roger has not only become my closest friend but also my favorite photographer, a beacon of inspiration and creativity in a world often overshadowed by mediocrity and conformity. As a photographer, he parallels the cinematic approach of a film director. For example, the accompanying photo of myself draws inspiration from the timeless allure of 1940s Havana, transporting me back to that era with every glance. In it, I see a reflection of myself—not just as I am but as I aspire to be: bold, fearless, and unapologetically authentic. It represents the enduring legacy of Roger Erickson and the boundless beauty of the human spirit.
As I reflect on the journey that has led us to this moment, I am struck by the transformative power of art and the profound impact it can have on our lives. For me, Roger’s photographs are more than just images captured on film; they are windows into the soul, moments frozen in time that speak volumes about the human experience. In a world where superficiality often reigns supreme, Roger’s work serves as a reminder of the beauty that lies beneath the surface—a beauty that is perennial, transcendent, and inherently human.
It is this enduring quality that resonates so deeply with me and countless others who have had the privilege of experiencing Roger’s artistry firsthand. His photographs have the power to transport us to another time and place, evoking emotions and memories long forgotten. They serve as a tribute to the power of creativity and the limitless possibilities of the human imagination.
But perhaps most importantly, Roger’s photographs remind us of the value of connection—the connection between artist and subject, between viewer and image, between past, present, and future. In a world that often feels fractured and divided, his work serves as a unifying force, bridging the gap between cultures, generations, and perspectives. It is a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and bring us together in a shared celebration of the human experience.
His collection of photographs extends far beyond the norm, shaping our perceptions, inspiring future generations, and leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. His work serves as a beacon of creativity and innovation, challenging us to see the world in new and unexpected ways. So it is with great pride and honor that I introduce his debut book, FLOSS; a meticulously curated anthology of images that capture the essence of music icons in popular culture from 1989 to 2020. Reminding us of the inherent beauty that surrounds us—beauty that is waiting to be discovered, celebrated. and cherished.
Floss:
To strike a pose, profile.
To floss is to show off or brag, similar to “flex.”
Irv Gotti
Irv Gotti wrapped in the American Flag, after he’d won the DOJ’s money laundering and conspiracy case against him and his record label Murder Inc.
Osbourne and Lola
It was only natural that Lola would wind up in the shot. Photographing Ozzy at home felt no different than being in my own. It was chaotic, funny, dynamic spontaneous—full of warmth and love.
Ozzy
BIOGRAPHY
Roger Erickson hailing from Oakland California is a distinguished photographer whose journey began at San Francisco State University. His passion for editorial photography led him to make a significant move to London, where he first embarked on his remarkable career.
In 1990, Roger achieved a milestone with his first commissioned assignments for Select Magazine, photographing iconic figures such as Motörhead, Neil Young, and Crazy Horse. His talent and dedication propelled him to become the first African American photographer to capture two covers for Vogue Magazine in 2003.
His distinctive perspective in American portraiture sets his work apart, contributing to the rich tapestry of the art form. Roger’s portfolio extends across renowned publications and brands, with his images gracing the pages of GQ (US), Harper’s Bazaar (UK), Vogue (México y Latinoamérica), ELLE (France), and more. His photographs offer a unique perspective in American visual culture, with a portfolio that spans across prestigious publications and advertising campaigns for global brands.
Beyond the pages of magazines and billboards, Roger’s work finds expression in exhibitions. His solo exhibition, OUTspoken: Portraits of LGBTQ Luminaries, held at SFAC Galleries in San Francisco City Hall, marked a significant chapter in his artistic journey. He has also contributed to group exhibitions like Voices for Womankind: Resilience at One Art Space Gallery in Manhattan and Determined: The 400-Year Struggle for Black Equality at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Roger Erickson’s commitment to diversity and representation extends to filmography, where he has produced two-part short documentary films recognized at notable film festivals.
Through his lens and artistic endeavors, Roger Erickson continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of photography, film, and visual storytelling.
Goff Books
Published by Goff Books, an Imprint of ORO Editions.
Executive publisher: Gordon Goff.
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Copyright © Roger Erickson and Goff Books 2024
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10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 First Edition
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ISBN: 978-1-961856-08-0
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