Jamal Denzel Barnes - February 2026
For the month of February, we would like to turn the spotlight over to Jamal Denzel Barnes, (@Visionarybarnes) a photographer, filmmaker, and murallist from Marrero Louisiana. Growing up, Jamal was very big into computers. He says that he was often getting his computer repaired due to constantly downloading music, and movies online that he would sell discs of. He was also interested in music videos often watching BET while getting ready for school. He wanted to be a computer engineer and attended school in order to do so.
At the age of 19 while attending Southern University of New Orleans, he would purchase his first Camera with his refund check. He’s always been a fan of the colors in the sky during dusk and dawn, and how those colors would mesh. “ I’ve always been a fan of God’s work and how he created these things to be different every single day.” He didn’t start taking photography seriously until about 2014 when making videos with something that he was doing primarily. Jamal is inspired by many artists such as Ceaux, Compton, Jeremy Tauriac, Sadat, Ojo, Hoze Da’Ra, and Ashley Lorraine to name a few. He also attributes the city and his son to his inspiration. “He’ll have so many pictures of himself that he can throw his own show when a he gets to a certain age. A defining moment that he recalls in his creative journey was his 2020 show “Welcome Home”.
This was so important to him because of the time. And how the city was shut down during the pandemic. There was still such a great turnout, even though people were weary of venturing out due to getting sick. He also states that any piece that involves negative space would be a signature one by him. “I like to shoot up becuase I look at the sky and clouds as the backdrop”. Mal has had his work displayed in Arthur Rogers gallery, the CAC, the New Orleans African American Museum, and the Ashé Center. Looking forward, Jamal says that he both plans ahead when thinking about his future projects, but also wants to make sure he takes things a day at a time. If you’re looking to learn more about Jamal and purchasing some of his work you can go on his website jamaldenzelbarnes.com or check out his instagram.
“Fuck what people think, we have the power to do any and everything we want out of life.” - Jamal Denzel Barnes
