Description:.
SONS is a project about race. More precisely it is an interactive photographic exercise about how perception is impacted by race and the African American male experience. SONS is designed to move engaged visitors to self-examine attitudes about race.
The carefully crafted photographs in SONS are not just the work of a single photographer but a series of collaborations between a photographer and selected subjects to produce an exhibition that facilitate an understanding about perceptions and prejudging people. Photography is the principle medium used to compose a simple yet effective exercise that mimic the real life process of meeting and forming perceptions/assumptions about people.
Visitors to the exhibition are presented with two sets of photographs. The first set of images are black and white photographs of anonymous subjects in which only the face is visible. The second set of images are color photographs in which the subjects were instructed " to be themselves" and present themselves as they believe themselves to be. These images are accompanied by much more information about the subjects. Along with a brief bio there be a short video that could be accessible by smart device. The reconciliation of perceptions and realities should be intuitive.
A unique feature of the SONS Project is the use of males from the hosting subject. An average of Thirty individuals are drawn from various age and socio-economic groups are selected to be photographed and videoed to produce most of an installation's content. The inclusion of local subjects has a number of positive effects. Which includes making the exhibition more relevant and developing local interest and involvement in the project. This particular feature has served the project well as the exhibitions has been very enthusiastically received by the media and the public.
SONS, SEEING THE MODERN AFRICAN AMERICAN MALE is both timely and relevant. Recent events point to the urgent need for conversations about the contemporary Black American male. Any effort, however humble, to foster an understanding of this largely misunderstood and often marginalized segment of the American population is of utmost importance. SONS is much more than a photographic study of the modern Black American male. It is also an exercise about how we perceive people. By attempting to reveal how Black American males see themselves while encouraging a thought-provoking examination of how the Black American male is perceived SONS, a very interactive exhibition, seeks to start conversations
Title: SONS, SEEING THE MODERN AFRICAN AMERICAN MALE
Aside from the introduction the exhibition is presented in three distinct sections:
1. PERCEPTIONS: Black and white portraits of the subjects in which only the faces and names of the men are revealed.
2. REALITIES and RECONCILIATIONS: Color portraits of the subjects, which reveal the subjects as they perceive themselves.
3. "I AM" Interviews Video interviews discussing common issues confronting the Black American Male.
A Special Feature Of SONS: A special feature of the exhibition is the option of the presenters to include subjects from the hosting communities in the project. For a minimum additional cost the photographer will travel to the hosting community to photograph a pre-determined number of "local" men for inclusion in the exhibition. The inclusion of subjects from the hosting community is an excellent way to increase local interest and encourage conversations regarding the contemporary African American male.
Availability: The exhibition has been traveling since January 2016.
Space Requirements: 100 to 120 each 11x14 in. images in 16x20 in. frames and 10 to 15 informational panels will require 200 to 300 linear feet. The exhibition can be modified to fit smaller or larger venues.
Base Fee: $12000.00 for 16 week run plus $300.00 per local subject photographed.
Contact Information: Jerry Taliaferro, Email: newtribe8@cs.com , Phone: 704.340.8552
Past Exhibitions:
The African American Museum Of Nassau County, Hempstead, NY, February 2016
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum Of Maryland African American History, Baltimore, MD, November 2016
The Ella Sharp Museum, Jackson, MI, February 2017
Muskegon Museum Of Art, Muskegon, MI, December 2018
Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA, January 2019
Flint Institute Of Arts, Flint, MI, January 2022
Copyright © 2022 Jerry Taliaferro