Reflection on "Down These Mean Streets" at the SAAM

Photos by MartinStudioPhotography.com

One of the beauty of looking at art are the surprises that make you catch your breath when you connect with a piece that has moved you. 

Such an experience took place within when visiting the opening of the photography exhibit "Down These Mean Streets" at the Smithsonian American Art Museum will be showing from May 12th through August 6, 2017.

"Down These Mean Streets: Community and Place in Urban Photography explores the work of ten photographers—Manuel Acevedo, Oscar Castillo, Frank Espada, Anthony Hernandez, Perla de Leon, Hiram Maristany, Ruben Ochoa, John Valadez, Winston Vargas, and Camilo José Vergara—who were driven to document and reflect on the state of American cities during these transformative years."

That information is public, the experience of seeing what was not noted or seen at first but was created in plain view by these urban documentary photographers was worth the trip in DC.

Reflecting on some of the work that stuck with me walking away from this exhibit. Like Anthony Hernandez large format photography view of his LA images, which gave me a sense of space and time. As in the subjects always seemed to waiting, the message from using the LA transit system back in the 1970's.  

Also, I was fascinated with the background messages in Frank Espada's and others urban portraits more so. The obvious subjects captured in urban life of the 70's in the foreground was just the tip of what was to be seen. The time capsule for me was the graffiti on the doors and walls. It had a community message in the background that reminded you of past struggles. 

Unruly and an eye sore for some, but graffiti was an urban message, or publication for all to see. A raw power of text and art to portray their interest, putting the message in the streets. These where the hidden gems in the photographs for me, they made you look and reflect on a turbulent history building time not too long ago. "Free the Black Panthers!"  

Our visit was during the opening of the exhibit, so the museum was a buzz with excitement and conversations. Probably for the very nice added treat, a poetic performance by Frank Espada's son (one of the exhibiting photographers) Martin Espada who you can see in some of Franks portraits. He was the special guest speaker for the poetry readings for the evening. Joining him where, award winning DC based poets Samuel Miranda and Naomi Ayala reading from their works. 

Enjoy the mini clip of Martin Espada's reading below. Thank you.

To learn more about father and son, Frank and Martin Espada please enjoy the video below.