Born in Miami, Florida, Roe Ethridge studied at the College of Art at the Savannah College of Art and Design. He gained significant critical attention for his ability to bridge the gap between editorial photography and conceptual art, often utilizing images that have been previously published or repurposed to create new visual narratives.

His practice involves the creation of highly stylized compositions, ranging from classical still lifes to portraits that incorporate unexpected, surreal elements. By simulating reality through a commercial lens, Ethridge challenges the viewer's perception of authenticity and the reproducibility of the photographic image.

Ethridge has achieved widespread institutional recognition, with his work held in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the Tate Modern, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles. Recent projects include a 2026 exhibition at Chanel Nexus Hall in Tokyo, which features his photographic documentation of the archives and personal possessions of Gabrielle Chanel.