Rashid Johnson's "Anxious Men" series, first unveiled at The Drawing Center in New York in 2015, marks a pivotal moment in his career, introducing a new layer of figurative expression to his multidisciplinary practice. This series features portraits rendered on tile with black soap and wax, a departure from Johnson's previous work primarily in sculpture and photography. These portraits, created by digging into a waxy surface, represent Johnson's first venture into figurative work outside of photography or film on a smaller scale, bringing a visceral immediacy to his exploration of race and identity (The Drawing Center).
Johnson's work has consistently navigated the complex narratives of the black experience in America, blending the intellectual with the emotional. The "Anxious Men" series, in particular, touches on this theme with a focus on the anxiety and collective unease spurred by contemporary social and political unrest, including police violence against unarmed black men and the tense political climate. This body of work represents a cathartic exploration of Johnson's own fears and anxieties, which he discovered resonated with many, thereby fostering a sense of shared experience and collective identity (Observer).
The series evolved from individual portraits to "Anxious Audiences," reflecting a broader, collective response to the challenges and tensions of the time. Johnson's engagement with current events through this series marked a new direction in his work, previously more influenced by historical and conceptual underpinnings. By incorporating themes of race, identity, and the personal impact of social dynamics, Johnson invites viewers into a conversation about the nuanced and often painful realities of the African American experience (Observer) (Cultured Magazine).
Johnson's approach to the "Anxious Men" series and his broader practice is deeply introspective, exploring his identity and experiences as a black man in America while also seeking autonomy in artistic expression. This quest is evident in his use of non-traditional materials and the incorporation of literature, history, and personal narrative into his work, which has been celebrated for its innovative and thought-provoking nature (Lux Magazine).
Through "Anxious Men," Johnson not only captures a moment of collective anxiety but also offers a space for reflection and connection, highlighting the power of art to address and unpack complex societal issues.