photo | Marilyn |
In my photos, I portrayed different forms of
art in my New York City neighborhood. In
the world, there are many different types of
art, even if it's not obvious at first. Art can
be found virtually anywhere. A building, a
painting, even a country's flag are different
forms of art. These photographs also show
what I love - the arts. I had the chance to
show the world who I am in a form of art,
including photos of the Puerto Rican festival.
It represents my culture.
-Marilyn |
photo | Marilyn |
photo | Danyamara |
Photography has really influenced
the way I see life because when
I take a picture I'm storing a
moment of life that I want to
share with others. People who
see your photo understand the
condition of the situation, such as
people struggling with their lives
and seeking help from others. It's
a good way to share messages and
influence people.
-Danyamara |
photo | Danyamara |
The Harlem borough of New York City, once associated
with crime and violence, is experiencing a social and
economic revival. However, the rapid gentrification
of the past decade overshadows the neighborhood's
rich cultural history. To increase the students'
understanding of their cultural heritage, the program
began with an historical walking tour of Harlem.
Mentors skilled in photography guided the students
around their community to examine architecture and
landmarks that they might have missed on their daily walks to school. The mentorships connected people
with similar interests whose different backgrounds and
ages might have otherwise kept them apart.
Many of the student participants had little prior
experience with photography because their school
offers no art classes. One student says, "I did not feel
as though photography was really an art - more of a
technology. [I now] view photography as something
more than just a snapshot." |
photo | Jeffrey |
| After two months, the students displayed prints of their
photographs at a local community center. Locals visited
the exhibit and saw the images of the neighborhood.
Public recognition of their work allowed the students to
take pride in their accomplishments. Mentor Michelle
Cohen says, "The immediate benefit of the project was
the empowerment the students gained in being given
an opportunity to tell the story of their lives through
photography, a medium of art new to almost all of them.
. This was the chance for the students to reach beyond
their normal boundaries." Challenged to take a fresh
look at themselves and their communities, the students
gained new perspectives on their lives. |
photo | Jeffrey |
| These photos show my life and culture as a
Dominican-American boy who lives in the
Bronx. Dominican-Americans are people who
love to have fun. -Jeffrey |
|
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