April 12, 2007
Stories from the Goodlands, April 7, 2007
The Goodlands Photography Project at Centro Nueva Creación offers its students an opportunity to reclaim and rename the surrounding locale of the West Kensington and Fairhill neighborhoods of North Philadelphia by putting a camera in the hands of their youth and encouraging and guiding the students to focus on the positive aspects of their lives . The image-making process becomes an outlet for exposing countless hidden truths, and their hope is that these images will offer a new perspective. These young people provide endless images of hope and life through their photographic lens. At times, their photos capture the harsh realities of life in this neighborhood, but most striking is the strength of the people living here and the rich Latino culture that survives. Tell us what you thought of the Photo Exbition.
The Goodlands Project site
Centro Nueva's site
Comments
When you're visiting a student photography exhibit, you expect raw shots of what kids think might be fun...maybe ice cream, playing in the hydrants, or other tokens of urban childhoods. What this exhibit represents, however, is true artistic genius, vision, and depth. The images literally portray beauty and calm in the midst of a neighborhood that mainstream would define as blighted and chaotic. I was honored to cross paths with these images. Bravo to these children and those who inspired their work. I hope that their success is nurtured.
I have attended more than a dozen Goodlands photo shows, and I never cease to be amazed by the beautiful and insightful images the students create. It was such a joy to again see the pride in their faces when they speak of their work and see it appreciated by people from all different walks of life.
I am overwhelmingly grateful to the staff of Centro Nueva Creacion and all those who helped to make this exhibition a reality. This was an incredible opportunity to share with the larger Philadelphia community what we at Centro Nueva Creacion have known all along--that our children have enormous potential and amazing abilities. Our hope is that, through this exhibition, others will see it too and decide to come along side us to help them create beautiful futures for themselves.