There is a black and white photograph of comedian Wanda Sykes that became synonymous with her biting humor and immutable confidence. In the 2015 photo, she stands within Roger Erickson’s lens, feet determinedly planted, wearing a newsboy cap while pointing to her white t-shirt which reads “Homophobia is whack” in black capital letters. As an artist, Erickson’s portrait photography of celebrities, athletes and activists is not just technically sound but evokes a greater significance. His portrait of Sykes embodies her storied career as a Black, queer comedian, her very visibility a challenge to all who thought she couldn’t succeed. This is the power of Erickson’s photographs. In November, a retrospective collection of Erickson’s portraits on fashion and music will be released in a new photo book titled FLOSS.

A monographic catalog of the figures that defined urban fashion, rock ‘n roll and hip hop in the ‘90s through the aughts, FLOSS includes photographs of stars like Snoop Dogg, Dr Dre, Eminem, Joan Jett, Ozzy Osbourne and Chaka Khan. Just like in the Sykes portrait, Erickson’s camera captures the aspirational and extravagant nature of artists during a renaissance in pop culture. While the 100+ pages of portraits are meticulously put together, Erickson creates an environment seemingly natural to each of his subjects. A staggering shot of a vibrant-colored boxing ring surrounds Eminem, his black eye and padded gloves encroaching on the frame. Snoop Dogg graces the back cover of FLOSS, plumes of smoke surrounding his face in a sort of shroud. 

Each portrait is an artfully-designed moment in time, a skill that has defined Erickson’s career. Originally from Oakland, Erickson began studying photography at San Francisco State University. His interest in editorial photography motivated his eventual move to London where he commissioned photographs for Select Magazine. By 2003, Erickson became the first African American photographer to have two Vogue covers. Beyond his portfolio of magazine photography, Erickson has also displayed his work in galleries, his photograph of Sykes shown in his first solo exhibition titled OUTspoken: Portraits of LGBTQ Luminaries.

FLOSS charts Erickson’s best work throughout his decades-long career, bringing together a host of rappers, fashion icons and rockstars in one book. With a foreword by actress and director Salli Richardson Whitfield, FLOSS is a visual meditation on the intersection of art, culture and identity.

FLOSS by Goff Books is now available to ship and will be officially released on November 1st.