Meet Adam Davis

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adam Davis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adam, how does your business help the community?
You know this is perfect timing to speak on this. I recently had the pleasure and privilege to photograph the 2 remaining survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. It’s known to some, and hopefully after reading this, to far more, as the most horrific act of domestic terrorism in the history of the United States of America. While the elders (Mother Lessie Randle & Mother Viola Fletcher, both 110 years old) and their families were at the Greenwood Cultural Center in between portraits, they received a phone call from the Oklahoma Supreme Court that their long standing case for reparations was to be dismissed the same day. The ripple effect this will cause in future legal proceedings on the topic of reparations or even changing laws to assist marginalized and criminalized communities will be felt for generations to come. It’s something that has reshaped my “why”. Everyone, no matter what life path they choose to go down, has a reason for doing what they do. To feed their family. To make it “big” in Hollywood. To feel more at home in their bodies. To find the love of their life. After being in the room while these historic activists’ families mourn the efforts put forth, knowing they may not have much time left to see history change for the better, I questioned my “why” for the first time since 2020. I’ve been depressed for almost two weeks questioning whether or not what I do is needed. What is the role of a photograph? Why, of all people, was I in the room with my camera, awaiting a photograph as they got this devastating news?

I hope this project allows people to see themselves in ways that feel empowering. A tintype is a tangible representation of a human being. Outside of the internet, these images will serve as an ever evolving archive, one who’s context shifts as history shifts. I believe Black Magic helps the community through civic, creative, and social engagement. Any instance someone can be reminded of how beautiful, insightful, helpful, joyous, or important they are can be seen as beneficial, especially within the Black community. With images being reduced to fleeting moments at the mercy of our ever scrolling thumbs, having an heirloom capable of lasting through hundreds if not thousands of years if cared for properly reasserts the value of our lives. Thinking through an Afrofuturist lens, these are meant to be seen, shared, and cherished not only for now, but for when a new community inhabits whichever planet human life sprouts on a thousand years from now and honors us like the ancestors we are all soon to be. I have the privilege of bringing people together for something positive. That’s all I can ask for. 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My current art practice comprises photography, video, and design all under the umbrella of a project called Black Magic. It’s a traveling legacy project centered around civic, creative, and social engagement anchored by the archival practice of tintype portrait making, exclusively of Black people. These images are unlike most in their aesthetic, but also in their historic relevance being that it is the second form of image making ever. I’ve had the privilege of going down the rabbit hole that is this project due to my community’s unwavering interest in prioritizing archive building and creating safe spaces for Black people to simply exist in each other’s presence. None of this is easy. In fact, most of the journey to “get here” was riddled with obstacles. The same community who was interested in participating was there to assist in any way necessary and it is something I’m eternally grateful for. The biggest lesson has been to be genuinely nice to people without any desire for anything in return. It allows you to walk through life without fear of retribution. That freedom of mind is an underrated aspect of being a creative person.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Easy. Getting around LA may take you a week in itself! Once you land at LAX, go straight to Storm Burger. Tell them I sent you. Ask for the fries and shake.Go to High & Tight for a hair appointment as soon as you’re done with your food so you look good the rest of your trip. Go to Reparations Club. Buy a book. Read the book. Hit Highly Likely for their matcha and new chocolate chip cookie. Head to Malibu for the hidden beach about 20 minutes west of Shangri La off the 1 Freeway. Stop in Venice on the way back for some Gjusta sandwiches and golden milk lattes. Regroup, maybe nap. Head to the Comedy Store for the late headliner show in the Belly Room. Hit the Shuga Shack party by Black Market Flea right after to end the night two stepping in the corner because you’re so tired but in such a good mood. You’re welcome.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother. The Black women at Reparations Club. Black women in general. The Underground Museum. My best friend Rey. Ride for Black Lives. The city of Los Angeles. Brooklyn.

Website: www.blackmagic.show

Instagram: @admdav

Image Credits
All images by Adam Davis.