Feeling Seen: The Photographs of Campbell Addy

Feeling Seen: The Photographs of Campbell Addy is a celebration of the beauty & intricacy of visibility. Across the pages of this inaugural monograph we see the photographs that propelled Campbell Addy into a career as one of the most in-demand photographers of a generation. Drawing inspiration from a culturally diverse upbringing, this book lays the foundations of what has been an intricate discovery of the self, and the uncovering of Addy’s unique eye. A foreword by British Vogue’s editor-in-chief, Edward Enninful OBE opens up the themes of the book, writing about the intersection of photography, race, beauty, and representation. This is followed by a selection of Addy’s most striking photographs, which range from prominent fashion and magazine commissions to candid portraiture. Faces such as Kendall Jenner, FKA Twigs and Tyler, the Creator, have all appeared in front of his camera, alongside friends and collaborators CKTRL, King Owusu, and Rhea Dillon. Woven in are the perspectives of pioneering Black creatives, including Dr. Naomi Campbell, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson and Nadine Ijewere, who contribute quotes reflecting upon when they first felt truly seen in their industry. Personal tributes are made to Ajamu and James Barnor, trailblazing photographers who paved the way for the heritage of Black photographers today. As a Black, queer, ex-Jehovah’s Witness, growing up Campbell Addy was aware of being hyper visible, but never feeling truly seen, which he balances in conversation with Ekow Eshun, looking at the broader questions of identity, intimacy and art which face many creatives today. Charged with energy, compassion and authenticity, the pages of this monograph reveal a major talent whose influence and eminence will certainly grow with time.