About Me
“The process of art begins not when a pen touches paper or a brush touches canvas, but when the heart, mind, and soul yearn to reach out to other hearts, minds, and souls.”
Born in Bronx, NY, Osjua A. Newton is an African-American photojournalist and graphic designer currently living in the University Heights section of the Bronx. Graduating from Lehman College with a degree in political science, Newton never officially pursued the visual arts academically. Instead, his first encounters with both graphic design and photography began around 2003 during his later years in high school; first, utilizing these skills to accompany his journalistic assignments; and recently, towards his personal artwork.
In photography, Newton focuses largely on spot news, events, street, and portraits while his graphic design portfolio consists of newspaper layouts, poster art, and comic books. His assignment work has been featured in The Bronx Free Press, The Bronx Times Reporter, The Riverdale Press, and other publications.
Art Projects and Accomplishments
Group Exhibitions:
2016
“Bronx Voyeurs”, Andrew Freedman Home – Bronx, NY
2014
“The Bronx Artist Documentary Project”, Andrew Freedman Home – Bronx, NY
“Bronx X Bronx”, Bronx Documentary Center – Bronx, NY
“Access to Art”, Bronx Art Space – Bronx, NY
2013
“Bronx Soles”, Bronx Art Space – Armory Show – Bronx, NY
2008
“Straight Up”, Herbert H. Lehman College – Bronx, NY
Art Projects Assisted via Photography:
2013
“Men in Skirts & Still I Rise” by Riki Colon, HOWL Festival, New York, NY
“Skate the Bronx” by Collective Energy, Andrew Freedman Home, Bronx, NY
2012
“30 Beans/Trenta Frijoles” performance by Sean Paul Gallegos, Art in Odd Places, Bronx & NY, NY
Publications:
2013-Ongoing
Ninja Express (Comic Book Series) – Written by D.M. Charles, artwork by Drake Tina, color and lettering by Osjua A. Newton
2012 - Ongoing
Ruin (Comic Book Series) – Written by D.M. Charles, artwork by Dioscoro Beniga Jr., color and lettering by Osjua A. Newton
Featured In:
2015 – Lane, Judith, Haulben, Daniel comps. and eds.: The Bronx Artist Documentary Project. ISBN: 978-0-692-43275-4
2014 – Morris, Tanisia: “Bold show celebrates Bronx-bred art”, The Riverdale Presss, March 5, 2013
2013 – Samuels, Tanyanika: “The “Bronx Soles” exhibit at Bronx Art Space gallery turns sneakers into works of art”, New York Daily News, March 5, 2013
Reported On:
2013 – York, Marie: “Artists pull back the curtain on their work”, The Riverdale Press, Feb. 23; photos by Osjua A. Newton
2011 – Newton, Osjua A.: “The Portrait of a Renaissance Artist, a la Boricua”, The Bronx Free Press, March 23
2010 – Figueroa, Xavier: “Keeping it Real”, Bronx Art Guide, Fall 2010; photos by Osjua A. Newton
Photography Related Employment:
2014 – 2016
Paragon Sports (Photographer)
2012 – 2014
The Riverdale Press (Photographer)
2011
The Bronx Times Reporter (Photographer)
The Bronx Free Press (Photographer & Reporter)
2009 – 2011
Lehman College Yearbook (Photographer & Designer)
2005 – 2008
Meridian: Lehman College Newspaper (Design Editor, Photo Editor, and Chief Photographer)
2003 - 2005
Troubled Minds Magazine (Owner, Reporter, Photographer)
English