Zhee Chatmon

About the Artist

For as long as I can remember I’ve been fascinated by the power of the photograph. My journey as a photographer began as a teenager growing up in Baltimore, Maryland. Watching closely and listening carefully as family members passed around precious photographs, I became keenly aware of the emotional responses that they evoked. Those experiences fueled my passion for photography and my desire to become a visual storyteller -- to document and preserve histories. Behind the camera seemed then and now, a powerful place to be.  After many years of engaging in photography as a hobby, I officially formalized my craft in 2008, with a B.A. in Fine Art from Morgan State University, ultimately winning the institutions James E. Lewis award for outstanding photography.  2008 also marked my selection as a finalist in the illustrious Gordon Parks Photography Competition, further validating my decision to pursue photography as a profession. Most recently, I worked as the University Photographer for Gallaudet University in Washington DC. My specialty areas include environmental portraiture, street photography, photo essays and shooting special events.  

Artist's Statement

The term griot is most commonly associated with the spoken word. The traditional function of a griot is to preserve an oral history of the tribe, village or family -- often by entertaining with stories, poems, songs, and dances. Through the camera lens I create and preserve a visual history and as such endeavor to expand the idea of the griot to include photographic images. My photographs tell life’s stories. I too am a village griot. Through my style of storytelling, I create a visual history of the many “villages” that comprise the world we live in. While I instinctively identify with my own communities, I explore and document all segments of the human community in their various natural habitats. My images may shock, awe, and inspire, but through them I aim to spark dialogues that will ultimately increase awareness about our sameness and encourage appreciation for our differences. My current artistic focus stems from a fascination with relationships. I enjoy observing humans being. I love talking with people and establishing a sense of trust that I will portray them accurately and with integrity. Along the paths my photographic adventures, conversations become research and my camera becomes a valuable tool used to validate their experience and their existence.