Impressions: Expanding the Walls 2017

The sixteen young artists in the 2016–17 program took an interest in particular methods of VanDerZee’s practice, such as his use of hyperreal studio backdrops, street scenes and etching notes on his negatives. They were also drawn to the performative and conceptual strategies of other photographers, including Devin Allen, Isaac Diggs, LaToya Ruby Frazier, and Lorna Simpson. Impressions reflects the young artists’ fascination and desire to uncover beauty in overlooked places and histories with formal aspects of photography. The works are a testament to their close attention to the nuances of visual life in Harlem and other New York City neighborhoods as well as social life, the bonds of family and various communities.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.