South High alumni, Bobby Rogers, has been one of the most prominent visual artists in the Midwest for nearly a decade. As a multidisciplinary artist, his work consists of graphic design, photography, and fashion design. His work has broken barriers across various industries and continues to reach the attention of audiences across the globe. The main objective of his art is to represent and explore the complex identities surrounding blackness through vivid portrait photography, emphasizing the “power of the black imagination.”
In interviewing Rogers at a local fundraiser, Books for Breakfast, he talked about his early life and what inspired his art career. “Growing up with no real mentors or art classes, my main role model for art was always my mother. When I was young her paintings never failed to blow me away. She opened a whole world of creativity for me.” Despite South’s lack of art programs at the time, Rogers discovered his interest in art in high school and would sell his drawings for a few bucks here and there. After high school, Rogers attended the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Art in Illustration. There he was able to experiment with multiple forms of art, and even taught himself photography following his graduation. He would do this by going around the city capturing social justice protests in his community, and offering his photography services for local businesses’ social media campaigns. This helped develop his skill set and understand his artistic capabilities and aesthetic.
Rogers returned to South High School for the first time since graduating, to speak at the Writers Room artist visit. He spoke to South students about his job as senior art director of multicultural at Target and walked everyone through his day-to-day. He presented his most recent digital design campaign there, Black Beyond Measure to us, alongside an audience of South students. In this campaign he showcased black-owned beauty and skin products, emphasizing the importance of self-care.
Along with his empowering campaigns for Target, he showed us his work for “The Bureau” which is a multidisciplinary art and design studio he co-founded. He spoke on how The Bureau is important for him to have a space where he can have more artistic freedom, and use his art to speak to relevant political issues. The Bureau released a clothing line after Stop Line 3 pipeline protests in Minnesota, to show support for protecting Native American land. At the Bureau, he focuses on his love for photography and fashion design and uses his art to give voice to issues in his community. “Photography as a medium allows you to bring your voice into a space,” said Rogers.
Rogers did an excellent job of connecting with South students and left the audience inspired. “He motivated me to continue to persist in my passions, even though it might be unrealistic to the outside world. If he could do then maybe I can too”. said South student Mubashir Mohmmud. When asked what advice he would give to young aspiring artists, he encouraged students to take advantage of South’s resources, and to maintain work ethic and passion in whatever they do. As he phrased it sometimes to reach his goals, his mindset had to be, “Eat, Sleep, Create.” Rogers mentioned he would fall asleep in his studio often blasting Kendrick Lamar, because of how occupied and engaged he would become in his projects.
Bobby Rogers has been an inspiring example to people in Minneapolis, and creatives nationwide. Rogers pushes boundaries in whatever industry he is working with, whether that’s through the Bureau or Target. He uses these platforms to curate art that spreads awareness about social justice issues and black empowerment. Despite the struggles around making a liveable wage as an artist, Rogers’ work exemplifies the success that can result from hard work and staying true to your passions.
