Celebrating Latin American photography in NYC
- Text by HUCK HQ
- Photography by Tatiana Fernández Geara (main image)
The South Bronx neighbourhood of Melrose is a bustling, working-class melting pot, populated – predominantly – by members of New York’s Latino community.
So, when it came to selecting a location for NYC’s first ever Latin American Foto Festival, presented by the Bronx Documentary Center, the residential area (which was first incorporated into the city as a sleepy, German-American village back in the 19th century) always felt like the perfect choice.
From July 12th, 2018, the buildings, parks and sidewalks of Melrose will play host to a number of different instillations, transforming the neighbourhood into one vast, immersive gallery, showcasing the work of some of Latin America’s most exciting photographers.
For Michael Kamber – co-founder of the Bronx Documentary Center and co-curator of the festival along with Cynthia Rivera – it’s an overdue celebration of stories that can often go neglected.
“New York has a large and growing Latino population. NYC Latinos have close connections with countries all over the Caribbean and Latin America,” he explains.
“Having photographers from the region visit New York and show work on important social issues will help to inform New Yorkers as well as maintain ties and create understanding.”
Calling on photographers from across seven different countries, the festival seeks to encompass as much of the Latin American experience as possible. If it’s a success, Kamber adds, the plan is to expand the scope even further next year.
Featuring the likes of Erika P. Rodriguez, Sharon Castellanos and Mauricio Palos (to name just a few), the festival covers subject matter that ranges from the devastation of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, to the violent persecution that journalists face in Mexico.
“The BDC wants the Latin American Foto Festival to help create cultural bonds and exchanges between New York residents and their counterparts throughout the Caribbean and Latin America,” Kamber adds.
“We believe this will be the beginning of creative relationships and ‘intercambios’ for both adults and teenagers in our programs here at the BDC.”
For more information on the festival, visit the Bronx Documentary Center website.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Latest on Huck
In a city of rapid gentrification, one south London estate stands firm
A Portrait of Central Hill — Social housing is under threat across the British capital. But residents of the Central Hill estate in Crystal Palace are determined to save their homes, and their community.
Written by: Alex King
Analogue Appreciation: Maria Teriaeva’s five pieces that remind her of home
From Sayan to Savoie — In an ever more digital, online world, we ask our favourite artists about their most cherished pieces of physical culture. First up, the Siberian-born, Paris-based composer and synthesist.
Written by: Maria Teriaeva
Petition to save the Prince Charles Cinema signed by over 100,000 people in a day
PCC forever — The Soho institution has claimed its landlord, Zedwell LSQ Ltd, is demanding the insertion of a break clause that would leave it “under permanent threat of closure”.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Remembering Taboo, the party that reshaped ’80s London nightlife
Glitter on the floor — Curators Martin Green and NJ Stevenson revisit Leigh Bowery’s legendary night, a space for wild expression that reimagined partying and fashion.
Written by: Cyna Mirzai
A timeless, dynamic view of the Highland Games
Long Walk Home — Robbie Lawrence travelled to the historic sporting events across Scotland and the USA, hoping to learn about cultural nationalism. He ended up capturing a wholesome, analogue experience rarely found in the modern age.
Written by: Isaac Muk
The rave salvaging toilets for London’s queers
Happy Endings — Public bathrooms have long been contested spaces for LGBTQ+ communities, and rising transphobia is seeing them come under scrutiny. With the infamous rave-in-a-bog at an east London institution, its party-goers are claiming them for their own.
Written by: Ben Smoke