We have been living in the most technologically advanced century, but we seem to have stepped back in time when it comes to conversations about race, justice, and equality. The murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, was one of the most significant events that shook up America (and the world), reigniting the conversation around racial equality. And now, Aperture has announced a new photo book that looks at the compex idea around the issue, as well as the role photography plays. Here’s why you should get one too.
All the images are by Aperture.
A Critical Photo Book on Race and Justice
Race Stories: Essays on the Power of Images is an anthology that combines Maurice Berger’s powerful essays, and the role image-making plays in forming perspectives around racial duality. Berger was a cultural historian, writer, and curator who spent his career educating people about racial literacy. The essays, which is the first time they are coming together, were written between 2012 and 2019 as monthly features for the New York Times Lens blog. In addition to this, Berger also curated exhibitions, publications, and visual literacy projects.
The photo book features 71 essays by Berger and 120 photographs that will help to change racial stereotypes and contribute to awareness. The photo book looks at how photography and visual culture are both responsible for perpetuating racial inequality and fighting for racial justice. Aperture notes that his writings, which are engaging and easy, will help readers to understand complex issues around the subject. The photo book also focuses on various moments in photography and even movement throughout United States history, where race, photography, and media awareness played a pivotal role. The anthology also analyzes the works of LaToya Ruby Frazier, Gordon Parks, Jamel Shabazz, and Pete Souza, the Obama White House photographer, to examine how they made a difference. But that is not all; the photo book will also explore a variety of images, shot by both professionals and amateurs, from fine art to snapshots, as well as portraits of celebrities and photojournalistic photos.
In addition, Race Stories: Essays on the Power of Images will also be celebrated through varied public programs. The first of them is Democracy, Race, and the Power of Images, which is a part of the Forums on Contemporary Photography at the Museum of Modern Art, New York (MoMA). The panel features photographers like Dawoud Bey and RaMell Ross and art critics, journalists, lawyers, and filmmakers. There will be another talk on Race and Visual Literacy, a conversation about Race Stories: Essays on the Power of Images photo book.
Why Must You Participate
With the rise of AI and a general lack of literacy in photography and art, many people today are easily influenced by social media. When films and shows with overtones of propaganda are presented, many would not be able to read between the lines. This is precisely why education around photography and the role it plays in the media should be taught early on. But if not, this book is an exceptional way to prepare yourself and your friends or children for challenging subjects like race, belonging, and justice.
If we want this world to be inclusive, we must address these concerns in time. And that begins by educating and changing yourself. Ignorance is bliss, but in times when people are people discriminated against, harassed, and even murdered for the color of their skin, we can’t continue to keep quiet. Our differences do not mean one person has the liberty to hurt another just because the world sees them as superior. We have already stooped being too low as humans, and the only way to change that is by educating ourselves and reviving our empathy.
Race Stories: Essays on the Power of Images is available for purchase on Aperture’s website. For more information about the panel, see here.