Chicken and Waffles (SCRIPT)

Written by Owen Rogers. 111pages

Owen Rogers was a fixture within the New York City nightlife and music community before relocating to Atlanta. Over the last decade he has captured some of the city’s most pivotal moments. A native New Yorker and avid Harlemite he is flourishing capturing content in the South. Having studied Journalism at Penn State, his gritty urban perspective is paired with a keen eye and desire to make every image tell a story. His intimate access to his subjects allows for clear narratives of music and personality to seep through each photo. As the “glue” binding together several cities across the world, Owen has made the jump from influencer to curator, producing events and playing crucial roles in innovative campaigns in New York, Tokyo, Miami and Los Angeles.

Outside of visual art and creative direction, Owen is active in the film community as an actor and screenwriter. He has appeared in projects including Atlanta, Yo Momma and more. He is a member of server groups including the Atlanta Film Society and the Mayors Office of Cultural Affairs.

Writer Statement

I am a dedicated creative with a decorated background across a variety of artistic mediums. Among them, I have made a name for myself as a photographer, writer and visual artist. My most recent practice uses my photography and often straddles the line between collage and mixed media. Additionally I have completed my first feature screenplay. Throughout my career, I have made it a point to capture the status quo in all aspects of culture—ranging from music to technology, and from fashion to food. I use any tool at my disposal, namely whatever too is closest, to contextualize the world in its full complexity for future generations to consume. My gritty urban perspective, combined with my global outlook, has sharpened my eye and fueled my desire to make every piece tell a story.

Over the last two decades, I have built my career capturing images of some of the biggest names in culture, curating events around the world, and producing experiences at major cultural moments. I have had the honor of shooting for publications such as XXL, BET, REVOLT, and more. More recently, I have transitioned into the fine art scene—regularly exhibiting in galleries and founding an artist collective in Tokyo during my time there from 2017 to 2019. Since moving to Atlanta, I have served as the 2023 Artist in Residence at the Fulton County Library, contributed to the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, and become a donor to the Georgia State Archives.

My background in journalism has shaped my journey, fusing a distinctive aesthetic into my imagery. Gordon Parks’ narrative vision and ability to encapsulate pivotal moments, coupled with Warhol’s talent for capturing the energy and spirit of his contemporaries, are two of my most influential artistic inspirations. These epic storytellers directly complement my photojournalistic style and have fueled my creative growth. As I’ve matured and become more of a student of history, I’ve gained a deeper ability to identify pivotal junctures in the world to inform and inspire my art