Myles Loftin started developing his photography skills and career five years ago. It was the summer before he started high school. Cut to the Fall of 2016: he’s an in-demand photographer working in New York City. He’s also a Parsons First Year student in Gigi Polo’s Time course. The final assignment inspires him to pull from ideas noted in his journal. He creates a “multimedia project that humanizes and decriminalizes the societal image of black boys and black men dressed in hoodies.”
Cut to the following semester: In March, 2017, Milk Magazine, BET and VICE Creators publish feature articles on Myles and his illuminating project.
When asked how he and other artists encourage one another to use their craft to make statements and tackle the issues, Myles says, “One of the best ways to tackle it is to just put yourself out there, putting out the positive side. The side that the media doesn’t really show accurately. Me being a successful black photographer is one way of rebellion against the media, which is trying to portray a different image of what black boys are.”
Cut to Parsons Art & Design History & Theory announcing on our online magazine how proud we are of Myles and his reflections of the times: extraordinary pride!
Read the Milk Magazine article, BET article and VICE Creators piece on Myles. Check out Myles Loftin’s website and Instagram.
UPDATE: Myles was one of two students selected to represent Parsons School of Design at the NYCxDesign Student Showcase Night in May 2017, hosted by SVA’s MFA in Products of Design department.
