IMAGEMAKER. STORYTELLER. cREATOR.

About The Artist

Ayana Gordon is an Antiguan-Haitian award-winning photographer and multimedia artist based in Baltimore, MD. With a dynamic emerging career, Ayana has swiftly appeared as a powerful voice in contemporary photography. Her work, known for its evocative use of rich textures, captivating compositions, and deep cultural narratives, explores identity, heritage, and the spiritual connections between people and their environments.

A self-taught artist, Ayana's journey in photography has been marked by exploration and experimentation. She has garnered significant global recognition, her work has been presented at the prestigious 2024 LA Art Show and earned her the honor of being a finalist in the 2024 LensCulture Portrait Awards. Additionally, her photography has been featured on renowned platforms such as Artsy and Vogue Italia: Global Photovogue, where images were selected for 'Pic of the Day' and 'Best of.'

Ayana’s artistry has also been celebrated in print and media. She is proud to have been published in the May 2023 issue of Prazzel and featured in Bmore Art, Shoutout Atlanta, Voyage Baltimore, and Canvas Rebel. Her ability to weave personal and collective stories into her work continues to push the boundaries of visual storytelling, making her a rising star in contemporary photography.

W here there is culture, t here is art.

— Artsi Ifrah

Artist Statement

I am a Baltimore-based photographer whose work is deeply rooted in the exploration of identity, shaped by my Haitian and Antiguan heritage and American upbringing. My photography serves as a journey of continuous self-discovery and spiritual reconnection, reflecting the complexities and beauty of Black lives. Through my lens, I aim to challenge societal norms that confine individuals to predefined roles, using film photography to delve into the rich narratives of culture and identity.

My current body of work is a testament to this mission. Through meticulous composition, styling, and storytelling, I strive to empower people of color to be seen and heard. My work exists as an altar to my heritage, an homage to my ancestors, and a celebration of the current. Each image I create is a powerful and intimate portrayal of cultural experiences intended to push viewers to reflect on their own identities and the stories that shape them.

I believe in the profound importance of people, places, and stories in the formation of identity. My process is intimate and detailed, treating every photograph as a piece of a larger narrative that honors the strides of those who came before me. By keeping their legacy alive through my art, I invite others to explore their own heritage and connection to the past.