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Chinatown Photo Essay

Poster of Chinatown photos paired with quotes from different individuals along with graphic assets along the photos.

Group Members: Jam Woon, Erin Adiele, Rishayna Rokib, Huriya Qudusi

This project focuses on storytelling through a blend of pictures and quotes to highlight the beauty of Chinatown! The pictures are accompanied by quotes made that are meant to elevate the meaning of the images and provide a new perspective to the viewer. Each quote relates to a dream one may have versus the reality of the situation which may not be their dream but work life instead. By aligning the photographs which were selected as a way of portraying simple parts of the area you may not initially notice with texts, this project attempts to capture the richness of culture through the experiences and significance represented through the photos and the hustle of people in society including this area through the text, all that makeup Chinatown.

Chinatown in its entirety does not only offer a space for cultural representation, but also is a symbol of the resilience and hope people have been bringing to the country. The pictures showcase the everyday activity of the people during the current times, while the quotes look back on specific people’s lived experiences. Though the project does not explicitly state or delve into the historical background and significance of the area, the texts indirectly reflect on its past. Additionally, the included quotes are specifically from Chinese American individuals and are intended to bring voice to a demographic of people who are often not accurately represented. It’s done in a way that allows for you to gain your own perspective and acts as a starting guide for a bigger picture, it’s up to you to interpret through either the quotes or photos that convey the everyday lives of individuals and their dreams along with struggles.

All quotes were taken from https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/zhuangzi_393083

Graphic assets from https://www.canva.com/

How did completing your project help you explore the role of arts in the lives of New Yorkers and their communities?

Completing this project really helped us explore the role of arts in the lives of New Yorkers and their communities through the lens of Chinatown in lower Manhattan specifically. Being able to capture a moment in time throughout multiple spots is a way of showing how through forms such as photography among other artistic mediums, it builds a sense of pride as it opens the viewer to how art is everywhere. In such a location like Chinatown, forms of expression are crucial in order to really understand the shaping of this community to what it has become today and the way it continues to flourish. Culture is really an important aspect and art can tie into it, working together as a way of telling the stories of people such as those of Chinese descent within the New York community.

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Categories: Ahmadinejad, Tara / Queens College / Seminar 1
Tags: Art / chinatown / culture / Identity / photo essay / photos / representation

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