Nov 17th 2022

THIS IS IT: a human-centered view of US

@ South Shore Arts

1040 Ridge Rd, Munster, IN 46321

Opening Thursday, November 17th, from 5PM - 8PM

On view through Sunday, January 8th

South Shore Arts is pleased to present THIS IS IT: a human-centered view of US opening at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, IN, November 11 through January 8, 2023. The exhibition features long-term-photodocumentary projects and photojournalism by award-winning and renowned photographers, including Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist John H. White. A free public reception will take place Thursday, November 17, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

The exhibiting photographers include Jess T. Dugan, Mariah Karson, Jon Lowenstein, Stephen Marc, Carlos Javier Ortiz, and John H. White.

Excellent documentary photography has the potential to bring about change; it allows the viewer an intimate moment to empathize and stand in someone else’s shoes. This was the guiding star in the selection of photographers for this exhibition for curators Linda Dorman and Tom Torluemke of Dorman + Torluemke. Each demonstrated to the curators a dedication to their practices and subjects through their unique approach, taking us on a visual journey through human experiences.

Documentary photographers and photojournalists learn a code of ethics that includes:
• Being accurate and comprehensive in the representation of subjects.
• Do not intentionally contribute to, alter, or seek to alter or influence events.
• Treating all subjects with respect and dignity.
• Respecting the integrity of the photographic moment.
• Maintaining the integrity of the photographic images’ content and the context in editing. Not manipulating the images in any way that can mislead viewers or misrepresent the subject.
From the NPPA Code of Ethics

Excerpt from the Curator’s Statement: The era we live in is rife with division and misinformation, underscoring the relevant work of these photographers. Some work out in the streets, sometimes making fast friends with strangers as stories and events unfold, experiencing life’s impact on neighbors. Others are compelled to build connections and relationships within marginalized and rural communities, spending many years and decades creating a moving and growing body of work. Their work takes a deep dive into humanistic realities of which many are only glancingly aware. The images and documents of these informed perspectives share an intimate understanding and respect for their given subject in the hopes that viewers will walk away with a new perception.

The exhibition’s title, This Is It, was inspired by the last album by Gary native Michael Jackson. The album features many calls for social change; They Don’t Care About Us, Black and White, Earth Song, and Human Nature. Man in the Mirror encourages us to hold up a mirror and analyze ourselves and our place in society; it is something that great art and photography do.

The public is invited to a series of free, related programming throughout the exhibition:

THIS IS IT, a panel discussion with Jon Lowenstein, Stephen Marc, and Carlos Javier Ortiz
Saturday, November 19, 2:00 p.m.

Photo Projects – Slideshow Night with guest host Michael Zajakowski, Director of Photography, Chicago Magazine
Thursday, December 1, 7:00 p.m. in the gallery

American Legion: gallery talk with Mariah Karson
Thursday, January 5, 2023, 6:00 p.m.

This exhibition was made possible by a Transform Lake County grant from the Legacy Foundation.

Image: Stephen Marc, Bans Off Our Bodies, 2022

Official Website

More events on this date

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,