Strong; Resilient 2023
"While the Stars Look Down" captures the otherworldly essence of the Mojave Desert at night, emphasizing the Joshua tree’s mystique through the interplay of color, time, and light. These ancient trees (Yucca brevifolia, spp.) date back 2.5 million years to the Pleistocene era, when the desert was a lush expanse teeming with mammoths, ground sloths, and saber-toothed cats. Over millennia, they have endured, adapting to harsh conditions.
This collection is more than photography—it’s a visual narrative of the Mojave Desert, the Joshua tree, and their struggle for survival. It highlights the fragile beauty of our planet and the urgency of conservation. As the stars continue their silent vigil over the desert, let us ensure their witness is not in vain by preserving the wonders of our natural world for future generations.
Techno Colored Nightmares and Bubble Gum Dreams 2023
"While the Stars Look Down" captures the otherworldly essence of the Mojave Desert at night, emphasizing the Joshua tree’s mystique through the interplay of color, time, and light. These ancient trees (Yucca brevifolia, spp.) date back 2.5 million years to the Pleistocene era, when the desert was a lush expanse teeming with mammoths, ground sloths, and saber-toothed cats. Over millennia, they have endured, adapting to harsh conditions.
This collection is more than photography—it’s a visual narrative of the Mojave Desert, the Joshua tree, and their struggle for survival. It highlights the fragile beauty of our planet and the urgency of conservation. As the stars continue their silent vigil over the desert, let us ensure their witness is not in vain by preserving the wonders of our natural world for future generations.
Note: The text above was written by the Artist. No modification was made by COCA.
Fred Brashear Jr
United States
Fred Brashear Jr is a multi-racial, multi-disciplinary, photo-based artist whose body of work delves into the profound and complex relationship between humans and nature. His art examines how the treatment of the natural world mirrors society’s treatment of marginalized communities, drawing a clear line between environmental degradation and the historical and ongoing trauma experienced by people of color. Through his unique lens, Brashear highlights the interconnectedness between ecological and social justice, illustrating how the exploitation of land and people are deeply intertwined. By linking racial inequality to present-day environmental and social challenges, his work raises questions about land use, stewardship, and justice. His photography has been exhibited internationally, in London, Rome, New York, and Los Angeles. Based in Southern California, he teaches photography at Cypress and Cerritos College, inspiring the next generation of artists.