A picture speaks for itself — Photoville was an enriching and enlightening experience.
To see how these photos were taken and curated by so many talented photojournalists and photographers was truly amazing. I attended Photoville on 9/21 and was in awe over the beautifully composed photos and articulate stories. This did not feel like an average college assignment, it felt like something much more. The last two photos taken were from two exhibits outside — #Thisis18 and The Mash Up. Although these were captivating photos, I found myself drawn to the first one in particular.
The journalism that exists at Photoville is intense, raw and real. I saw this at the first exhibit I visited.
Upon walking into St. Ann’s Warehouse, the loud and booming atmosphere of Photoville was hushed by the heartbreak within the Journalists under fire exhibit. The name of the exhibit speaks for itself — journalists risk their lives every second of the day in order to ensure that society is conscious of the news around them. This exhibit featured the work of journalists who have been killed on duty or threatened by the government of another country. The most shocking part of the exhibit had to be the fact that the silence in the room was almost haunting. Considering the unknown whereabouts of Eritrean journalist Seyoum Tsehaye after he was jailed, anyone could see why the entire exhibit was filled with such an atmosphere. Tsehaye was a journalist who was jailed after Eritrea’s right to a free press was banned — it is unconfirmed whether or not Tsehaye is alive. It is a critical time for journalists in the United States, and this event made me feel empathetic toward those who sacrifice to produce the most informative and helpful stories. It is imperative to stand our ground as journalists in a critical time filled with the power of words and real news.
Extra Sources:
Exhibit pamphlet
https://cpj.org/data/people/seyoum-tsehaye/index.php
