Art Exhibition to Open January 16, 2025, at the Foster-Tanner Fine Arts Gallery
Book and Showcase Celebrating Black Beauty, Empowerment, and Multigenerational Stories
Tallahassee, FL — Stan Johnson, acclaimed fine arts photographer and author, premiered his powerful new exhibition, “Beautiful, I Am,” on January 16, 2025, at the Foster Tanner Fine Arts Building on Florida A&M University’s campus. The showcase features a captivating series of portraits and stories that illuminate the beauty, strength, and resilience of Black women from infancy to nearly 100 years old.Johnson, a Quincy, Florida native, was inspired to create Beautiful, I Am! after reflecting on historical studies revealing the challenges young Black children face regarding self-esteem and identity. Determined to highlight and affirm the inherent worth of Black women, he photographed a diverse group of participants spanning every decade of life, capturing both their unique features and powerful personal narratives.
“I wanted to counter the societal narrative that undervalues Black beauty,” said Johnson. “By sharing these intimate portraits and stories, I hope to inspire everyone — particularly Black women — to see themselves in a celebratory, affirming light.”
About the Art Exhibition
The Art Exhibition will be held on January 16, 2025, 5pm to 7pm at the Foster Tanner Fine Arts Building, Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL to showcase photography and interviews from Johnson’s latest projects — “Beautiful, I Am” and “Naked Emotions Exposed.” The exhibition will end on April 25, 2025.
About the Book
Johnson’s accompanying book, Beautiful, I Am!, weaves together the voices of women who redefine beauty on their own terms—short, tall, bald, curvy, and everything in between. Across its pages, readers will discover deeply personal accounts of overcoming societal pressures, learning self-acceptance, and celebrating the diverse experiences of Black womanhood. The book is now available for purchase at stanjohnsoncreative.com, shop.bookbaby.com, and at select independent bookstores.
Why It Matters
By launching both a live exhibition and the Beautiful, I Am book, Johnson aims to spark meaningful conversations around identity, racial inclusion, and self-love. Guests are invited to explore the powerful photographs firsthand, meet the artist, and delve into the narratives behind each portrait.
“This exhibition isn’t just about showcasing art,” Johnson continued. “It’s about uplifting entire generations of women who have long been marginalized or misrepresented. My hope is that Beautiful, I Am! stands as a testament to the brilliance and depth within the Black community.”
About Stan Johnson
Stan Johnson is an award-winning fine arts and portrait photographer based in Tallahassee, Florida. Born in Quincy, Florida, his passion for photography began in high school when he received a camera from his father — an amateur photographer who purchased the camera in Germany while serving in the U.S. Army. Johnson sharpened his skills by capturing images of family and friends, further developing his craft as a graphic communications student at Florida A&M University and later serving in the U.S. Marine Corps as a communications specialist.
His professional dedication to photography solidified when he produced adoption marketing materials featuring portraits of foster children, a highly visible project that showcased his commitment to using his art for positive change. Ever since, Johnson has pursued a mission to uplift communities, celebrate underrepresented voices, and bring meaning to his life and the lives of others through his lens.
For press inquiries, contact Kimi Johnson at hello@purposepalsllc.com or 850-300-9728.