Antonio Johnson. Photo by Donovan X. Ramsey
Antonio M. Johnson is a filmmaker, producer, and creative leader whose work bridges culture, storytelling, and impactful narratives. With over a decade of experience, Johnson has honed his skills in crafting compelling visual content, from thought-provoking documentaries to branded campaigns that resonate with audiences. His passion lies in creating narratives that not only entertain but also provoke thought and connect deeply with viewers.
Known for his keen cultural awareness, Johnson has worked on a diverse array of projects, overseeing the production of major network shows and spearheading initiatives that blend creativity with precision. He has led high-profile productions for MTV's Caught In The Act, Bravo's Top Chef, and the groundbreaking feature-length documentary tentatively titled 1300 Miles To Broadway, starring Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth, which captured the lives of children at a Broadway summer camp.
Beyond the commercial sphere, Johnson is a visual storyteller with a passion for capturing underrepresented voices. His acclaimed photographic monograph, You Next: Reflections in Black Barber Shops, explores the cultural significance of Black barbershops as spaces for community, identity, and wellness. The project has garnered national attention, resulting in exhibitions and media collaborations that showcase his commitment to amplifying marginalized voices.
A graduate of Morgan State University, Johnson’s journey has been one of constant evolution. From his roots in West Philadelphia to his current base in Atlanta, he has cultivated a unique perspective on storytelling, one that brings authenticity, depth, and emotional resonance to every project. Whether it’s a documentary, branded content, or a narrative-driven campaign, Johnson continues to push the boundaries of visual storytelling, always seeking to create narratives that stick and leave a lasting impact.
Conferences and Photo Reviews
New York Portfolio Review | The New York Times, Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York and United Photo Industries | New York, NY | 2020
Solo Exhibitions
You Next | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport | Atlanta, GA | 2020
Barber Shop Chronicles | Brooklyn Academy of Music: BAM | New York, NY | 2019
Group Exhibitions
Reflecting In the Spirit of Kamoinge | EnFoco and Kamoinge | New York, NY | 2019
Publications
You Next: Reflections In the Black Barber Shop | The Chicago Review Press | Sept 2020
Nueva Luz | 2020
Black Futures | One World/Random House | December 2020
Artist Talks
“Kamoinge, Advocacies and Legacies” | En Foco | Dec 2020
“Pop-Up Zine Atlanta” | Pop-Up Magazine | Oct 2019
“Black Men Dream” | Weeksville Heritage Center | June 2018
Interviews, Articles, Reviews, Etc.
Aperture | The Photobook Review | 2021
FOX 29 | Good Day Philadelphia | 2020
Google x Pop-Up Magazine | Year in Search | 2020
WHYY | You Next: Inside Philly’s most underrated urban institution with G. the Barber | 2020
The Philadelphia Inquirer | ‘You Next’ is a new book that captures the essence of Black barbershops | 2020
The New York Post | Why the Culture of Black Barbershops is so important | 2020
The Brooklyn Circus | You Next: Black Barber Shop Culture | 2020
Georgia Public Broadcasting | ‘You Next' Looks At The Transformative Power Of The Neighborhood Barber Shop | 2019
Bevel Code | The Bevel Barbershop Takeover | 2019
NewsOne | This Powerful Photo Project Captures The Timeless Essence Of Black Barbershops Across America | 2019
Blavity | This Powerful Photo Project Captures The Timeless Essence Of Black Barbershops Across America | 2019
Frederick Benjamin | You Next’s Antonio Johnson Highlighting the Importance of Barbershops Around the U.S. | 2018
Awards and Grants
Photography Fellow | En Foco | 2020
Photography Fellow | Idea Capital Atlanta | 2020
Emergency Grant | Foundation for Contemporary Arts | 2019