Brooklyn-based creative Louyi Ferrin, known as Louney in music circles, is a name at the intersection of art and advocacy. A photographer working exclusively in film and a rising musician, Ferrin embodies the ethos of storytelling through layers of raw emotion and authenticity. Born in Colón, Panama, and raised in Alabama, his life journey has shaped his ability to navigate the delicate interplay between visual and sonic mediums. Whether through the grain of a film photograph or the beat of a track, Ferrin crafts art that moves, provokes, and connects.

A Legacy of Lens and Perspective

Photography is embedded in Ferrin’s DNA. His mother was a crime scene photographer, capturing stark realities, while his grandfather documented everyday lives in Panama and Colombia. Their influence inspired Ferrin to pick up his first camera as a child, driven by its ability to distill untold stories into a single frame.

As a teenager, Ferrin turned his lens toward photojournalism in New York City, documenting everyday people, protests, and cultural landmarks. His work during the Occupy Wall Street protests earned him recognition, with photographs appearing in publications like Forbes and Paper. Today, Ferrin’s black-and-white film photography explores urban life, protest movements, and the quieter moments of human vulnerability.

New York City – Endless Opportunities

For Ferrin, moving to New York was transformative. The city became an inspiration and a classroom, teaching him to find beauty in chaos and meaning in resistance. Whether capturing masked revelers at underground parties or children playing on the streets of Brooklyn, Ferrin’s lens turns fleeting moments into timeless stories.

His photography speaks to the grit of urban life while celebrating the resilience of its inhabitants. It’s in the shadowy corners and sunlit sidewalks of the city that Ferrin finds his most compelling subjects.

Music as a Mirror

Ferrin’s creative vision doesn’t stop at photography. In 2019, he stepped into the world of music, building tracks that blend his Panamanian roots with Brooklyn’s diverse soundscapes. His music is introspective yet universal, drawing on identity, empowerment, and self-expression themes.

Collaborating with international artists, Ferrin’s sound bridges continents, echoing his belief in unity across borders. With tracks that spotlight the beauty of Black women and celebrate resilience, his music is as much a call to action as it is an art form.

Advocacy Through Art

Ferrin’s work in both photography and music is grounded in advocacy. As an immigrant and a storyteller, he uses his platforms to amplify marginalized voices and shed light on overlooked issues.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ferrin’s photographs captured the quiet defiance of masked protesters and the vibrancy of underground music scenes. His visual or sonic art is a testament to the power of creativity in driving social change.

Bridging the Past and Future

Louyi Ferrin blends elements of heritage and modernity in his work. His film photography reflects his family’s traditions, while his music explores contemporary themes and storytelling. Together, these expressions create a unique and evolving artistic perspective.

Ferrin’s commitment to authenticity and advocacy remains unwavering as he continues to evolve. Through every frame and note, he reminds us of art’s power to reflect life and transform it.

Louyi Ferrin isn’t just a photographer or a musician—he’s a visionary crafting the present and future with soul and purpose.

 

 

Published by Mark V.