Harlan Bozeman

About Episode 93

In this episode of PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf, Sasha sits down with photographer Harlan Bozeman to discuss his artistic evolution—from the casual nature of street photography to the immersive, collaborative, and activist approach he brings to his ongoing documentary series, Out the E. They also explore his newer project, Failure to Appear, a more introspective and formally abstract investigation into memory and Black culture. Harlan is thoughtful, honest, and generous as he reflects on both the triumphs and challenges of his complex artistic practice.

About Harlan Bozeman

Harlan Bozeman is an artist based in Central Arkansas, whose work confronts the erasure of Black legacies and centers on how this exploration influences one’s personhood. He received his M.F.A at the University of Arkansas, his Bachelor’s in Journalism at DePaul University, and attended the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in 2023. Harlan is a 2024 Catch Light Global Fellow and is currently participating in the Magnum Foundation’s Counter Histories fellowship. Harlan Bozeman is Professor of Practice at Tulane University.

What advice do you have for emerging photographers?

Reflect! I stay thinking about what is next. The next focus within a project. The next potential opportunity. The next failure or disaster. Keep records of your process. Document your practice, especially the behind the scenes moments, as much as you can. My past self is my best reference so I find that those foundational memories and decisions can be very informative years later.

Is there a photographer who has influenced you in your career?

LaToya Ruby Frazier without hesitation. Her commitment to community and long-term collaboration has deeply influenced my practice. Early on when working in South Carolina, her work provided a framework for me in how to honor a community while critiquing the systems that endanger it.