Introduction to Isaac “Drift” Wright. 3:57 min. Interview: Raymond Elman. Post-Production: Lee Skye. Music: Julie Maxwell. Recorded: 5/20/2025, Miami–Brooklyn.
ISAAC “DRIFT” WRIGHT (b.1995) is a multidisciplinary artist and a United States Army veteran. After serving his country, he found solace and purpose in urban exploring and photography, illegally and clandestinely capturing cities from unique and unseen perspectives. Through his lens, he found a way to cope with displacement, PTSD, and Bipolar Disorder, finding peace in the presence of the moment.
The videos below are organized by Success Factor, and run between 20 seconds and 11 minutes. Click on any video. You must be connected to the Internet to view the videos.
DEVELOP A VOICE: 1:30 min.
You grew up in Cincinnati. My hometown as well. What was your first awareness of art of any discipline?
OVERCOMES CHALLENGES TO SUCCEED: 0:50 sec.
You were like a human ChatGPT for your classmates.
CRITICAL THINKING: 1:18 min.
I have always been an early adapter of technology, but for a while it has felt like technology has become too intrusive.
CRITICAL THINKING: 8:13 min.
On 5/10/2025, there was a terrific story about you in the New York Times. How did that come to be?
RESILIENCE: 0:56 sec.
Did you know the cop from Cincinnati who caused you so much trouble?
SERENDIPITY: 0:23 sec.
Were there any repercussions for the cop?
OVERCOMES CHALLENGES TO SUCCEED: 5:27 min.
What do you know about this Cincinnati cop? Is he a racist? Is he mentally unbalanced?
RESILIENCE: 10:39 min.
Will you please share with us your experience of being in jail for no logical reason?
CRITICAL THINKING: 3:49 min.
Tell us about your military experience.
BREAKS THE RULES: 0:41 sec.
Do you climb up the outside of buildings to make your photos?
CREATES A UNIQUE PERSONAL BRAND: 10:36 min.
Tell us about the evolution of your vision, your experiences, and your equipment.
COMPULSION: 8:10 min.
Is gaining access to high places illegally part of the rush of creating your photographs?
CREATES A UNIQUE PERSONAL BRAND: 2:32 min.
Given that the sneakers you wear are visible in your photographs, have you sought sponsorships from sneaker companies?
STRONG DRIVE FOR ACHIEVEMENT: 0:57 sec.
In May, 2025 you had an opening reception in New York for your exhibition at the Robert Mann Gallery — right after the New York Times piece was published. How did the opening go?
