On view in the Trustmark Grand Hall
Exposure brings together contemporary photographers from Mississippi and across the South whose work explores identity, visibility, and self-representation.
Presented alongside Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955–1985, the exhibition considers the many meanings of “exposure.” In photography, exposure refers to the amount of light that reaches a camera’s sensor, shaping what is seen, what is obscured, and how a subject is represented. Historically, photographic technologies were calibrated for white subjects, often rendering Black people underexposed and without nuance.
The artists in Exposure respond to that history by using photography as a tool for self-definition, reclaiming visibility, and expanding conversations about Black identity. Through deeply personal and thought-provoking works, they examine how photographs can reveal, conceal, challenge perceptions, and affirm lived experiences.
Together, these photographs invite visitors to consider who is seen, who remains unseen, and how images have the power to shape the way we understand ourselves and one another.
About the artists
Rashad Harris, born 2001 in Jackson, MS, is a portrait and fine art photographer most widely known by the handle “Sleepy Optics”. An iPhone photo taken by him at 11 years old ignited Rashad’s steadily growing passion for photography as an art form, and as a means of expression. This set of images focus on self-expression and the black culture and style of the 80’s. Two young women on their night out; expressing themselves and celebrating each other.
Kayla Rose is a multidisciplinary artist, photographer, and creative sociologist whose work explores identity, memory, community, and the experiences that shape us over time. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Creative Sociology, her practice is rooted in observation, examining how people move through the world, what they carry with them, and the stories embedded within everyday life.
Working primarily through photography, installation, and conceptual storytelling, Rose creates work that documents both personal and collective narratives, often blurring the line between art, culture, and lived experience. Her work is driven by a curiosity about human connection and the ways our environments, relationships, and memory inform who we become.
Beyond her individual practice, Rose is committed to creating platforms for artistic expression and cultural exchange. As Co-Founder of 2WOUnit, an experiential production studio, she develops community-centered creative projects that foster collaboration and storytelling. She is also a founding force behind The Pearl, a gallery and cultural space dedicated to exhibitions, education, and programming that amplifies artists and the communities that inspire their work.
Through both her art and her advocacy, Kayla Rose seeks to create spaces where stories are preserved, conversations are sparked, and communities can see themselves reflected back.
Eric Reeves. I do what I feel, and I feel what I do.
Edwin “THNDR Head” Davenport is a 29-year-old photographer born in Jackson, MS. He is an alumnus of Jackson State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in graphic design. The fundamental rule of his photography is simply to have fun and cultivate positive relationships and experiences with the people he encounters while working!
Justin Hardiman, a self-taught freelance photographer and visual artist from Jackson, Mississippi, explores a unique, minimalist, and documentary-like style that is deeply influenced by Mississippi. Justin’s goal is to reflect the potential of his environment, bringing attention to the often overlooked aspects of his community and exemplifying the concept of achieving more with less. His creative perspective has been exhibited globally, with Mississippi serving as his inspiration.
