Bio

Born and raised in a Quilombola community of São Luis, Brazil, Jefferson Santiago arrived in New York in 2013 and immediately began absorbing the art and culture from all of the communities he encountered, graduating from the Pratt institute in 2019.

 

Whether Photographer, Art Director or Subject, Jefferson’s signature fluidity amongst and across the aspects that shape him, particularly within the realms of gender expression and fashion, are embodied within his work. Jefferson seems to effortlessly capture the ephemeral nature of pop culture against a backdrop of traditional communities, and their steadfastness in the face of encroaching globalization.

 

Appreciation for inclusion and a love of diverse multitudes are rooted in Jefferson’s work. Clients including Costa Brazil, Just for Men, and Tata Harper recognize the integrity that his passion awards the people captured in his art, elevating his photographs beyond the expected.

 

Jefferson currently resides in New York City.