Rashid Johnson's "Falling Men" series engages deeply with themes of vulnerability, dislocation, and the black male identity through a striking visual language. In these works, Johnson employs his signature materials—white ceramic tile, red oak flooring, mirror fragments, and a mixture of black soap and wax—to create images of inverted figures that evoke a range of interpretations, from flying heroes to victims of violence. Each figure in the "Falling Men" series is rendered as a series of white squares, reminiscent of the pixelated forms found in video games, a nod to Johnson's own childhood and a commentary on the digital and mediated experiences of contemporary life​ (Milwaukee Art Museum)​.

This series reflects Johnson's ongoing exploration of identity and abstraction, where the act of falling can be seen as a metaphor for social or existential decline, as well as a state of grace or transcendence. The use of materials with specific cultural connotations—such as black soap, known for its cleansing properties and its significance in African heritage—adds layers of meaning to the work, touching on themes of healing, transformation, and the complexities of African American heritage​ (Milwaukee Art Museum)​.

"Falling Men" is part of a larger body of work by Johnson that addresses the construction and representation of black identity in America. Through this series, Johnson invites viewers to consider the forces—both literal and figurative—that cause individuals or groups to "fall" and the societal structures that either support or fail them. The series offers a poignant commentary on the state of black masculinity, vulnerability, and resilience in the face of societal and personal challenges. Johnson's work, including the "Falling Men" series, is a powerful contribution to the dialogue around race, identity, and the human condition in contemporary art.