LOLA FLASH

Lola Flash is an American photographer based in New York. Working at the forefront of genderqueer visual politics for more than three decades, her photography challenges stereotypes and gender, and sexual and racial preconceptions. Her art and activism are profoundly connected, fuelling a life-long commitment to visibility and preserving the legacy of LGBTQIA+ and communities of colour worldwide. Her practice is firmly rooted in social justice advocacy around sexual, racial, and cultural difference. Lola received her bachelor's degree from Maryland Institute and her Masters from London College of Printing, in the UK. Flash works primarily in portraiture with a 4x5 film camera, engaging those who are often deemed invisible. In 2008, she was a resident at Lightwork. Most recently, Lola was awarded an Art Matters grant, which allowed her to further two projects, in Brazil and London. Flash has work included in important public collections such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Her work is featured in the publication Posing Beauty, edited by Deb Willis, currently on exhibit across the US, and she is in the current award winning film “Through A Lens Darkly”. Flash’s work welcomes audiences who are willing to not only look but see. During the recent lockdown Lola had been photographing ‘the still, quiet island of Manhattan, due to COVID-19 — then all h*ll broke out! I am super immersed in the tipping [point] of the Black Lives Matter movement (and of course other long-standing organizations), which Mr. George Floyd‘s killing by four police officers has [reinvigorated].’ She then documented these protests and has shared them here for PLACE 2020.