As I entered Photoville in Emily Roebling Plaza under the Brooklyn Bridge, I had a tingle of anticipation as I spotted one of the greatest photographs of recent memory, Ami Vitale’s heartrending image of the last moments of the last White Rhino, Sudan.
Looking at the image, with the incongruity of the roadway of the Brooklyn Bridge above it, was striking. This image invokes compassion between the species that occupy this planet. Sudan didn’t deserve to be the last of his kind. This wildlife officer gave of himself so we could all share the grief of a devastating loss.
National Geographic Magazine photographer and filmmaker Ami Vitale‘s work illuminates the unsung heroes and communities working to protect wildlife and finding harmony in our natural world. Ami is the founder and executive director of Vital Impacts, a nonprofit that uses art and storytelling to support grassroots conservation and the storytellers who focus on the most important issues of our planet.
Photoville has an effect on me. As I walk through, I realize this year’s exhibit feels more local and less international. There are few images of war or strife. Nothing from the Universities. I’m surprised.
When I spot Sam Barzilay, co-founder of the event, outside the artist’s tent, we speak about that. With everything going on, I expected more war photographs. Sam said they decided to keep it at a different level, including the exhibits AMERICAN MUSLIM EXPERIENCE and L’DOR VADOR, and focusing on more local stories.
Syed Yaqeen, a Bangladeshi-born, Queens-raised photographer with over 15 years of experience, initially focused on editorials and fashion. I listened to Syed describe his exhibit, AMERICAN MUSLIM EXPERIENCE, saying he wanted to show the daily life of his subjects in America, and their experiences as citizens of our diverse country.
“In the symphony of American life, the nuances and harmonies of the Muslim community often remain unheard. “American Muslim Experience” seeks to change that, inviting viewers to embark on a visual journey that transcends stereotypes, embraces authenticity, and celebrates the kaleidoscope of experiences within the American Muslim diaspora. The vision behind this project is to challenge preconceived notions and foster a deeper understanding of American Muslims. By capturing authentic moments of daily life, struggles, celebrations, and introspection, this documentary project aims to reveal the shared humanity that unites us all while celebrating the unique stories that make each individual a vital note in the composition of our collective narrative.”