How soothing it must be for man to see the world through the same eyes as his best friend. In abstract fractions, integers, pixels by pixels. Never truly able to admit to the grandiosity of untouched land between us. Specifically, the thought that as differing races we may have harmony, patience and understanding. A gradually progressing concept, yet thankfully one that has been graced by families, lovers, cons, musicians, and artists. They knew the world possessed more than a black or white perspective. On the contrary, it is more closely representative of a gray scale. One hundred shades of moderated history; from the nonconformism and independence of early jazz, the ferocity of hip-hop to the revolutionary dedication of activists before us.
Such acts of love and steadfastness shown through standing together, regardless of the era, have been captured before. (It’s no secret that history repeats itself). It nevertheless comes with the connotation of being timeless, hoping to be the new look of the movement. Here I challenge to bring the original face to light, via the 1870’s platinum printing process (the original medium of the work), with relatable settings and features. When made the print speaks bounds to its roots, as evidenced by the textured and rough feel, its brown complexion and required use of 100% cotton paper. All the while allowing today’s youth to have an unbiased, advocated voice.
Both kinds of imagery, from Millions March NYC and discussions with individuals, serve to attempt to fill the void of distance that has been denied for so many years. As well as to, hopefully, show the integration and nonconformism we, as humans, can have. We have the choice to break free from the degenerative repetition, from being distinct, from following the path that was created generations ago, and to create a new face for ourselves and our children.
