Ivan B. McClennan

Ivan B. McClellan (b. 1982, Kansas City, KS) is a Portland, Oregon-based photojournalist and designer renowned for his work documenting Black cowboy culture in America. His photography delves into marginalized aspects of Black culture, challenging broad assumptions and myths about racial identity in the United States.
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McClellan's journey into this niche began in 2015 when he attended an all-Black rodeo in Oklahoma. This experience profoundly impacted him, revealing a vibrant community he had previously been unaware of. Since then, he has dedicated himself to capturing the lives of Black cowboys and cowgirls, traveling across the country to document their stories.
OPB

His work has been featured in prominent publications such as NPR, The New York Times, GQ, CNN, W Magazine, The Guardian, ESPN's Andscape, Elle, and The Washington Post. Additionally, McClellan has collaborated with clients like Portland International Airport, U.S. Bank, Lee x BK Circus, Tecovas, Ariat + Compton Cowboys, Boot Barn, Apple, and Instagram.
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In 2021, his solo exhibition "Eight Seconds: Black Cowboys in America" was showcased at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming. This exhibition provided an intimate look into the lives of Black cowboys, challenging stereotypes and highlighting their significant contributions to American culture.
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McClellan's dedication to this subject matter has not only brought attention to a historically overlooked community but has also played a role in reshaping the narrative around the American cowboy, emphasizing its diverse and multicultural roots.