Retired diplomat continues photographic exploration of the human experience

People walk and ride horses in the desert of Egypt

"Bliss Ride,” part of the Human Pulse Series by John Elliott. © John D. Elliott

Alumnus, John Elliott retires from US State Department, camera at the ready

Having recently returned from a 22-day photographic trip in Cuba in December, John Elliott (BFA ’79) is embracing a new phase in life. Although this marks the end of a 11-year career working at the highest levels of the US State Department, he remains dedicated to a lifelong interest in human rights through his ongoing work with various organizations and through his creative photographic practice.

Elliott has exhibited his fine arts photographs regularly in group and solo shows in the Middle East, South America, and throughout the United States. His 2013 solo exhibition at the Academia Brasiliera de Letras, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil featured 72 photographs from his two most prominent series, and .

“Throughout my three careers, photography has been a constant. Every two years or so I work on an exhibition,” he said.

For his recent project, , Elliott traveled throughout the island documenting the challenges faced by the communities there, revealing the human struggle of a resilient nation and people.

Girl gesturing on street in Trinidad, Cuba — Trinidad, Cuba, 2021. Photo by John Elliott.

“The pandemic has exacerbated the woes brought on by a decades-old economic blockade by the United States, which has continued to impoverish the island nation of 12 million,” he writes on his , where he shares regular updates.

After graduating with his photography degree from OHIO, Elliott began working as a photojournalist for a Latin American magazine, followed by a stint teaching photography at the Art Institute of Atlanta. In Atlanta he started a career in corporate communications and then dedicated 18 years as the creative director for an advertising agency.

Orange cat under trashbin in Ouro Preto, Brazil — Ouro Preto, Brazil (2012). Photo © John D. Elliott

In 2010, Elliott was selected to be a Public Diplomacy Officer in the U.S. Foreign Service, a pivotal step in continuing to pursue his passion for international affairs. He served in Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Washington, D.C.

Elliott’s fine arts education at OHIO was complimented by minors in both international studies and Spanish, followed by advanced studies in Arabic at Harvard University and Portuguese at the U.S. Foreign Service Institute.

One of his earliest influences was his photography teacher – now Professor Emeritus of Art – Daniel S. Williams, who introduced him to Diane Arbus and Henri Cartier-Bresson, who were “seminal inspirations.”

“I continue my interaction with the art world via a number of groups, and plan on exhibiting my recent work this year in Central Florida, where I am presently residing with my partner and youngest daughter.”