I am pleased and honored to share that two of my photographs have been selected for inclusion in an exhibition this April entitled “Transforming Perspectives.” All 50 photographs in the gallery were selected by juror Tiffanie Graham, photo editor with the New York Times, and will be exhibited online from April 5-30, 2021, as part of the DFP‘s inaugural group exhibition.
I have also been asked to participate in an artist panel discussion with 5 other exhibiting photographers, as part of the gallery’s opening reception on Monday, April 5, 2021 at 1 pm EST. I would love to have you join for moral support! All are welcome to come to both the reception and 3D exhibition, accessible online.
Read on for inside info on the two images I submitted, that were selected!
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The Transforming Perspectives exhibit includes 50 images, from 44 photographers, from 11 different countries and represents true and diverse family stories. Through imagery aimed to transform the perspective of the viewers, the photographs represent an open-minded definition of what family is and what family life is truly like- the good, the bad, the funny, and more.
Truthfully I have never submitted for an exhibition before, and I *almost* didn’t this time, either, because whatever time parenting leaves me, I dedicate wholeheartedly to the personal photography projects that I am currently working on. The idea of sifting through decades of my photography work to select a couple to submit, on the off chance they would be selected, seemed overwhelming.
This particular exhibit call was special, though, because its sponsor, the DFP, is dedicated to raising up documentary photographers who value everyday family life with their cameras. (Sound familiar?) It’s easy to value the milestone portraits or happy moments dressed up in the park. They are beautiful and classic! But an organization that touts the importance of photographing everyday real life- the messy stuff as well as the pretty? That’s harder to find, and I want to be a part of that community.
So I limited myself to images photographed in 2020 through to the present, and I chose to submit the following selected images.
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CELEBRATING AS UNICORNS
This photograph includes my daughter Maya visited by her grandfather on her birthday, a unique occasion since the pandemic began. They both wear masks but don unicorn party hats for the occasion.
It is important to me to document all aspects of family life- not just the happiest moments. The pandemic’s effect on happy occasions like birthdays and weddings often feels bittersweet. There’s an edge to the celebration, and I wanted to show the separation that lingers even in the midst of the party.
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FRIEND OF THE ASYLUM SEEKERS
Felicia Rangel-Samponaro has dedicated her life’s work to providing education and healthy food to US asylum seekers living in the Matamoros, MX camp just over the US border. She is photographed in her apartment surrounded by the donations that she hands out to families who live in tents in the camp. These people have traveled from all over Central and South America seeking asylum, often leaving family behind in the process. Rangel-Samponaro is their new connection to the United States, and she gives them hope and dignity, along with support and friendship. She accomplishes this through her non-profit organization The Sidewalk School.
Please be sure to check out the rest of the photos from this documentary project about the Sidewalk School here.
I think I’ve talked enough. ? Have to go figure out what I’m going to say at the reception Monday! While I’m doing that, you should really check out the other five photographers who will be part of the artist panel with me, at the gallery’s opening reception. All very talented people with unique voices…
You can also browse my own professional documentary work on my other website… and see you at the gallery!!
