David Johnson
A Teenage Girl: Quinceañera Celebrations in Cuba, 2003

Canvas painting print, 20 x 16 inches
Limited edition, signed, front
Framed
Courtesy of David Johnson Archives
Estimated value: $550

In 1999 and 2003 David Johnson traveled to Cuba and photographed the neighborhoods, much the same way he is known for in his iconic historical photos of San Francisco. This photograph captures the debut of a teenage girl presented to Cuban society.

In his book A Dream Begun So Long Ago Johnson says, "This Cuba trip is a rejuvenation of my photographic years in the San Francisco Fillmore District. With my Nikon camera in my hand, I take pictures of Havana and Santiago neighborhoods."

David Johnson's photographs of Cuba are rarely exhibited. "A Teenage Girl: Quinceañera Celebrations in Cuba" was shown for the 1st time in 2020 at a Black History Month celebration. This rare picture is one of Johnson's signature candid decisive moment photographs in color. The print details are exquisite.

About the Artist:
David Johnson

Photographer David Johnson, age 95, was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. Mr. Johnson is an African American photography cultural icon who has recorded for history through his camera lens the San Francisco Fillmore District since 1945. A graduate of San Francisco Art Institute, now California School of Fine Arts, Mr. Johnson studied with Ansel Adams and Minor White. He is a member of the Golden Decade of great 20th-century photographers.

In June, 2021, a new library located at the the Harvey Milk Center, San Francisco, was dedicated to this legendary photographer.

His photographs are archived at the UC Berkeley Bancroft Library and the Library of Congress.