1. Dawoud Bey’s photography aims to make the invisible visible and that’s incredibly apparent through all of his work. His unique approach to photography allows him to tell a narrative of history otherwise overlooked. He mentions due to his hearing loss, he may be overcompensating by seeing more than others. His project on the 1953 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church highlights that incredibly well by showcasing two sets of portraits of what the victims ages were at the time and what age they would be now. It’s simplistic in nature and doesn’t have any fancy angles or color grading, but its impact is profound in the viewer in visualizing the past.
2. Carrie Mae Weems’ photography illustrates the story of many women around the world within her Kitchen Table series. She explains it as the “sight of the battle around the family” as we see various images of domestic familial life. The impact of the Kitchen Table series is to change the social contract and living arrangements in an area historically seen as a women’s and the social dynamics between the sexes.
3. Through the impact and voice you want to share, you are able to find your voice. Photography can be just pretty photos on a screen but it can also sell a story and a narrative to the viewer. It’s really about what you want to communicate to the world and how you’d like to leave a lasting impression.
Both photographers through their voices are challenging stereo types.
I saw the 1953 bombing photos last year and it was an extremely moving experience. I found many of his photos in his show were straight forward yet profound. He seemed to be letting his subjects tell their story.