Faces of the Great Recession, the latest photo series by photographer Ijeoma D. Iheanacho, is opening at the Art for Change Gallery April 15th. As part of the Art for Change exhibition, Faces of the Economy, this series brings into focus the human beings behind the statistics:
“Everyday the news tells us the unemployment rate as some percentage that is just hovering under 10%. But, who is that 10%? Who are those Americans that have had their American Dream derailed by the Great Recession? In this series I am presenting the stories of the 10% through the efforts of the non-profits working to help them hang on to some semblance of their dreams. This series serves a three prong effort: to make the public see beyond the statistics, to give voice to the citizens that are not being heard by our politicians, and to provide information to others going through a similar situation by linking them to the organizations that are working to help them. The series focuses on the non-profit organizations and the community of people it serves. I hope to make each viewer think of the people behind the headlines and tie the struggles of its citizens back to the hopes of the country. While the Great Recession is technically over on paper, its affect on the lives of ordinary citizens will be felt for generations. As the coverage moves from Wall Street to Main Street, we need to look at the discussions being held around the kitchen tables of America. Faces of the Great Recession is a look into not only the problem, but also the solutions and courage that can stand as a reminder that the next Great Generation may be in the making and the American Dream can still be a reality for those not yet awakened from the nightmare of the Great Recession. “
Please join us at Art for Change to view the Faces of the Great Exhibition. Art for Change is located at 1699 Lexington Avenue (between 106th and 107th Streets). The opening is Friday, April 15th, 7-11pm with a closing reception and artist dialogue Saturday, July 9th 7-11pm.