Abstract
Representation and social justice is segregated on many levels, including generationally. My project recognizes senior members of society by presenting the opportunity to share life stories using family photographs as the catalyst. The project celebrates the diversity of senior citizens inhabiting Denver, Colorado, whether living independently or in retirement communities. Providing a platform for senior citizens to represent who they are, further reveals what we have in common, rather than what separates us. The project’s principal goal is to reveal common humanistic themes preserved within the record of family photographs. I invite participation by asking, “if your house caught fire and you could only bring one photograph, which one would it be?” The photograph becomes a catalyst for telling life stories. Through a process of re-photographing old photographs held by their owner, with accompanying text, and exhibited in a group, what may previously have been regarded as a-snapshots, containing meaning for a few, is transformed into art with communal appeal. Art is the only intermediary able to visually articulate such powerful emotional correlations. Photography, because of its magical ability to freeze time and mirror reality is the ubiquitous visual medium, and therefor, the perfect vehicle to articulate such a project.
Presenters
Roddy MacInnesAssociate Professor, School of Art and Art History, University of Denver, Colorado, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
The Arts in Social, Political, and Community Life
KEYWORDS
Photography
Digital Media
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