ABOUT
BLACK COPPER is an independent cultural publisher and multidisciplinary arts organization based in New York City, dedicated to advancing innovation, collaboration, and equity in the art world. Founded with the intention of amplifying voices historically excluded from dominant narratives, BLACK COPPER has evolved into a publishing-led platform committed to long-form storytelling, critical discourse, and cultural preservation.
At the heart of BLACK COPPER is our biannual print magazine with a digital component, dedicated to spotlighting emerging and early-career artists while also engaging established voices. Each issue explores contemporary art, culture, and heritage through essays, interviews, and visual narratives, creating space for reflection, context, and depth. Our publishing practice is rooted in rigorous editorial standards and a belief in the lasting power of the printed record.
Beyond the magazine, BLACK COPPER collaborates with artists, writers, galleries, and institutions to produce publications, programs, and projects that bridge traditional and contemporary modes of engagement. Through partnerships and publishing initiatives, we work to build meaningful opportunities for creators to share their work with wider audiences.
BLACK COPPER is dedicated to uplifting artists and writers of African, Caribbean, Latin American, Indigenous, First Nations, Intercultural, and Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) heritage, contributing to a cultural landscape that is expansive, thoughtful, and future-facing. Through publishing, storytelling, and community-building, we are committed to shaping a more equitable and enduring art world.
Amanda M Johnson
Founder
Amanda M. Johnson is a multidisciplinary curator, arts professional, and curator from the South Bronx, NYC. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art and Business from Earlham College and a Master of Fine Arts in Photography from Parsons School of Design.
As the founder of BLACK COPPER, Amanda has been instrumental in amplifying diverse voices within the arts. Her work spans curatorial projects, education, digital exhibitions, and arts programming, with a focus on underrepresented artists and communities. Amanda’s curatorial practice explores the intersections of contemporary art, culture, and heritage. Her projects have been featured across the United States and internationally, including in South Korea and China. She has collaborated with institutions such as the Museum of the City of New York and David Zwirner and has contributed to exhibitions at major art festivals, including the Pingyao International Photography Festival, Art Basel, Frieze, and Photoville.
In addition to her curatorial work, Amanda has extensive experience teaching photography, art history, and professional practices at institutions like Parsons School of Design, Earlham College, and the New York Arts Program. Amanda has received recognition for her work in both print and digital formats, earning accolades for innovative approaches to curation and storytelling. Through her leadership at BLACK COPPER, she continues to champion equity, innovation, and community engagement in the art world.
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