Aubrey speaks with Detroit painter and photographer Jason Johnson who works under the moniker RCKBNY. Jason discusses his influences, his work, and where he sees himself going.

The artist in his own words:

"Inherently afro-centric, my work began from a need to see strong, beautiful revolutionary images  of black art. I figured the best way to depict our struggles is through our triumphs. My work  revolves around love, manifesting, and culture building. As an African American, it’s about  realizing the duties and blessings of being in the unique position to build/create our own culture  from scratch, and being able to smell those roses in real time. It’s about evolution.  The undeniable global impact we’ve made in such a short time. It’s about appreciation and  acknowledgment.  

My work explores color and how it feels coupled with the intention of creating a world for my  theories and perceptions. I gravitate towards surrealism and minimalism with touches of  whatever else."