ICP at THE POINT Adults
Winter 2023 Final Presentation
Celebrating the Winter 2023 ICP at THE POINT Adults
w/ Néstor Pérez-Molière!
Celebrating the Winter 2023 ICP at THE POINT Adults w/ Néstor Pérez-Molière!
ICP at THE POINT directly serves over 100 students through tiers of preteen, teen and adult courses, as well as weekly open labs. In four 10-session terms, ICP teaching artists provide instruction in the fundamentals of photography alongside writing and public speaking assignments. In addition to final presentations each term, students are also featured in an annual exhibition of their photographs in the on-site Vantage Point gallery. In 2005, the program received the Coming Up Taller Award, the nation's highest honor bestowed by the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.
Feature Artist:
Christopher William Rivera
Freedom Allah
Afisha Superille
Alma Torres
Alex Blackwood
Joanna Garcia
Zariyah Bailey
Onasis Cirineo
Savannah Miles
Maribel Jimenez
Christopher
William Rivera
Christopher Rivera, aka Bicho, is a photographer born and based in Brooklyn, NY. He is an activist who organizes with the Puerto Rican community around the issue of independence and sovereignty for the archipelago. A photographer of 7 years, Bicho finds inspiration from the family photo albums handed down to him from his grandmother. He documents the Puerto Rican diasporic experience by highlighting the cultural expressions and political diversity of his people. He uses photography as a medium for getting to know the Puerto Rican community in order to learn from them and build the independence movement. He is also high energy event photographer capturing parties, punk shows, perreos, and DJ residencies. He is primarily an analog photographer using 35mm film to capture his subjects. The major themes in his work are placemaking, identity, and resilience.
Nuyorican Pa’ Que Tu Lo Sepas
The phrase, “Yo soy Boricua pa’ que tu lo sepas” (I am Puerto Rican so that you know it), is emblematic of the unapologetic nature of the Puerto Rican identity. It has been adopted by the Puerto Rican community as a subtle form of defiance and reminder of decades of repression Boricuas have faced both in the island and in the diaspora. Resistance based on self-determination is directly related to the historical struggle for Puerto Rican independence. For example, the Gag Law, which passed in 1948, made it illegal for Puerto Ricans to display their flag in order to muffle the growing self-determination living within Puerto Rican people. An attack on identity, the law was eventually repealed, However, its legacy of targeting and eliminating leaders of the pro-independence movement traumatized our parents and grandparents.
Today, Puerto Ricans face displacement both within the archipelago and in diasporic communities. Yet this reality, in addition to the legacy of the Gag Law, has not deterred this group of people from being unapologetic about their identity. These images explore a theme of placemaking, as each photo depicts how Puerto Ricans take up space within the urban environment of New York City. While forced migration has caused this group to carry their culture overseas, the images depict the resulting unrepentant nature Boricuas carry in expressing their opinions and displaying their
Zariyah Bailey
Zariyah Bailey is a New York born interdisciplinary artist based in Atlanta, Georgia, raised by her Jamaican immigrant parents. Inspired by influence from young creative peers on social media growing up, she began photographing her rural surroundings to improve. She spent much of her schooling years studying music and film, graduating with a B.A. in film and a minor in media entertainment management. She expresses her passion for photography through nature, landscape, and self portraiture. Most of their work focuses on self-reflection, introspection, and healing. They aspire to create work that makes people truly feel the things words can’t express.
This project was born from a previous collaboration with ICP. Confronting the most vulnerable parts of the healing process is a daunting idea that scares most. It is a long process that forces you to confront the most uncomfortable parts of yourself. I capture the impactful moments of quiet stillness, sadness, and new growth through use of natural landscapes where time seems to move at a different rate. Self portraits and reflections are included to allude to the focus on the importance of the processes of learning how to truly see and understand oneself in life’s difficult transitions and tribulations.
Afisha Superville
Afisha Superville is a Trinidadian photographer. She currently resides in Brooklyn, New York. In life she values partnering with others to capture intimate or thought provoking moments in their lives. Afisha enjoys using photography to heal and connect with individuals who what to change the narrative and be the change the would like to see in their lifetime.
I usually capture my own self portraits however this time around I partnered with my younger sister to assist me in bringing this project to life. It was not the original idea I had in mind however, this body of work continues to portray the healing messages I would like to explore and share within my audience as an artist. I believe one of my gifts in this life has provided me with the ability to maneuvering through dark or uncomfortable times. My shadow in these images represent my relationship to being comfortable through the uncomfortable. Although there is a lot of darkness in this life my existence is the beacon of light I need to get through this life and like a phoenix I will continue to rise. I pray to inspire others to wield their strength wisely and make peace with the darker parts of life. My influences and inspiration are my parents. They inspire me to heal and show love to my younger self.
Alma Torres
Alma Torres is a Puerto Rican photographer from the Bronx. Currently residing in Virginia but their heart is in New York. They have been photographing for over 17 years with a digital camera but chose a different path this time. Through Zoom they were able to express themselves in ways they didn’t think about. They are very passionate about a newly-formed a PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome support community. The community continues to grow everyday as they speak to the struggles they face.
What I decided to photograph are people who have the same medical condition I have and that’s PCOS, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome which causes imbalanced hormones & many other things. Dealing with the facial hair, weight gain, irregular cycles, infertility, cyst etc. it’s not fun. None of it is and so I’m not only telling my story but theirs as well through these images.
The process of capturing these images was not difficult but very different from what I’m used to, each warrior and I worked very well. Each photo has a different story but shows what PCOS has done to each one, the insecurities that PCOS has cause but we’re able to overcome them. That the struggle is no longer their struggle & with these photos as a group picture shows that there’s millions of other warriors who have this same condition but we have to be the voice for those who are ashamed of themselves for dealing with something they cannot control. I’m all for finding new faces of warriors who struggle the same way I do when it comes to PCOS. Yes, we all have different symptoms but it’s the same condition. Telling our story is not only helping us individually but helping other warriors put a name to their condition helps them take a deeper look at what they’ve been going through in a different way because now they’re able to manage it how they want. What I wanted was exactly shown, the insecurities that PCOS has caused and we struggle with, but instead overcome them. I’m so proud of these warriors who have been vulnerable enough to share. They are strong, beautiful, brave, courageous but most importantly warriors, and together we are one.💚 Any questions my viewers have, I’d love to answer because in order to learn you ask questions so with that being said it’s helping spread awareness on a condition not many know about
Morrigan King Phillips
Morrigan D. King is a portrait photographer who choose to focus majority of their projects documenting BIPOC & LGBTIA+ communities through fashion shows, ballroom, and conceptual ideas. Morrigan started using a camera when they were their early teens photographing themselves through different angles, utilizing editing techniques and software to portray different moods, story, and set production. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Morrigan started to hone on this craft with the aid of self-taught lessons, affordable virtual classes, and creating with other designers, stylists, models, and photographers. Morrigan continues to experiment with cinematic edits and extending their craft through studying cinematography and storytelling.
Emotion, Power, and Essence are the words I continue to use to inspire my works. Shooting with a 18mm-55mm lens means I am challenged with getting close and personal. This is what this recent photographic journey took me on. A journey of body language.
I forget how to direct myself, I extend thanks and gratitude to The International Center of Photography Class for helping me value and appreciate shooting self-portraits again. Focusing my projects on myself helped me get to know how I feel about being diagnosed with mono and being unable to move without being in physical pain. “An Ache” is about me coming out of that darkness. Being exhausted with constant pain, but not letting it stop me from studying my body language and my photographic craft. My facial features and hand symbolizes support, comfort, and exaggerates the emotion of pain. The shadow as background and the light only facing me helps the facial language of exhaustion such as baggy eyes,plump lips and a rugged look.
The anti-valentine photos were a photoshoot inspired by the element of passion. Fire,roses,and the color of red. The body language that I portray helped me express mystery, danger and curiosity. This photoshoot didnt come out how I vision. I was very frustrated because I knew it would be easier if I was behind the camera. But easier doesn't always mean needed. This shows it is okay to be upset but reassess and do it again. I woke up the next morning and tried again.Which leads us to the next set of photos… Rebirth, i am not the same person when i started shooting self-portraits. I wanted to try new poses that help express who I am today. My femininity, my talent, and my experience as a model and an aspiring creative director . I am more confident in my body to do these poses to stretch and as a tall person with a 18mm-55mm lens.Green,white,and earth tone fashion elements express rebirth being had to be resurrected and continue to show the world the many languages of myself.
This project increases my ability to direct others, focusing on how I can continue to show who the person is in the current moment and how they feel through communicating with body language.
Onasis Cirineo
Onasis Cirineo is a New York Native, interdisciplinary artist and a community organizer
Those lights don't shine unless we do, were the best part of this city we make it what it is.It’s easy to get lost in it because it's so bright and luminous, but if you look closely enough you will find your tribe, the people that make this thing worth it, you’ll find why it is you are meant to be there. Surviving here has a way of making you forget your dreams. No te vayas
Se Fue La Luz
Se Fue La LUZ ay! Se Fue la LUZ back at home Republica Dominicana the light has gone out for the forcible night, yet the street is lively people are cheering and have taken to the street, one of the fondest memories I have of being back home during one of these frequent blackouts is playing chicken in the middle of the street.My first time coming here and seeing Times Square and thinking shit I bet these nights never go out.
There's a certain resiliencency that needs to be had living in this city A tale of two cities, where you can be from the city but at the same time very far removed. I’ve always been enamored with the ability of the diaspora to make light of situations that are daunting. To make room in spaces where they are unwanted, demanding to be seen and respected always finding a shed of optimism.
Se Fue La Luz encapsulates first generation Americans, homebred New Yorkers, and BIPOC and LGBTQ+ as they follow their dreams in the city that never sleeps A tale of two cities, where you can be from the city but at the same time very far removed.
Alex Blackwell
In this particular selection of photos I photographed a pop up shop in upstate New York. I also attended because there was a African dance show that was a surprise. The process of capturing these photos was mainly trying to the perspective of the different artist & entertainers there. I learned so much about using natural light & how to manipulate capturing photos up close & personal.The photos in this selection go in sequence because it shows the different expressions of those participating whether it was dancing singing or even clapping. They work as a group because it's all in one event but different aspects of enjoyment. I would describe this theme to someone else as being African themed based off history. I feel like my photos describe history, I also feel like they were taken in the 1940s or 50s. I feel the technical effects in my photos are the natural light & that was more used early in the 1900s. This theme relates to why I'm exploring because I want to learn more about African photography. The inspiration that i have mostly comes from the African culture which is in my also part of my culture. Another aspect of why i love these photos and it’s inspiring is because of the music that was created at this particular event. Questions that can be asked i feel are how did it feel to be in that moment? Why were you there? To answer those questions it’s because of my sister had a pop up shop selling soap and shea butter as well.
Maribel Jimenez
Maribel Jimenez was born in México and raised in The Bronx, New York. Maribel uses digital and phone cameras to tell stories about dark imagery and emotions. She participated in a photography program at ICP at The Point during high school to learn more about photography. Maribel sat on the 2020 panel for the Photoville Festival
Moonlight
I’m telling the story of first love because it’s difficult to talk about love and how to express your feelings to someone. I photograph the sentiments of my breakup. While capturing these photographs, I used my phone to take a photo and my sister as me, the object my first love gave me, and where we met.
You dumped me over text. I cry in the darkness remembering seeing the full moon and telling myself if I would find love again. Everything crumbles in pieces dealing with the emotion I don't want to feel again. People ask me how I’m feeling. I didn't have a word to say; I just knew I loved him; I looked out the window and felt suffocated, knowing I would never be yours, and I have you as my memories. When it rains, the memory I have with you is the date sitting by the water fountain; we talked and laughed until it was dark; we could see the lit building and lighting post; that was the happiness I felt when I was with you. You gave me one rose; you told me this rose would never die and the light would always be on, but it's a lie; the light was off. Whenever I see the rose, I think of The Beauty and The Beast, and the beast is gone. Now, this is my new journey.
Savannah Miles
Savannah Miles is a Bronx born, Brooklyn based intermedium artist. That uses a community organizing framework to creatively document the lives of their fellow artist and community members.
Their inspiration derives from those that they share community with.
I was approached by Afisha to be a part of this photo shoot. It is of an artist named Maya for birthday/brand shoot. I took photos in collaboration with Afisha and Dandre, two other photographers. I wasn’t really aware what I’d be shooting that day so the process for me was pretty much very go with the flow.
I think that the photos holistically portray an exploration of self. One’s sense of beauty, self portrayal. The subject (Maya) wanted to re-brand into a sexier sense of self. I tried to capture a piece of that journey from behind to around the scenes.
A lot of these photos were inspired by my fellow photographers Dre and Afisha. Watching them work and take certain angles, inspired me to be more creative with the way that I was going about mine.
Freedom Allah
In this world in which I constantly travel, 186 million miles per second around the Sun,
I raise my arms and say - Look and behold, the World! A reflection of my life!
Look and behold at how beautiful it is in it all its ghetto glory!
Look! and behold! for there’s nothing new under the Sun.
Everywhere I go, It’s the same thing just in a different light.
I present to you images of Lebanon.
A war torn country, with bullet holes still in statues.
Bomb-destroyed buildings, hungry refugees, differed dreams and westerners eating where 99% of the population cannot.
Latin America too was hit with a silent atomic bomb.
My father grew up without shoes and hungry.
My parents were born into cycles of ruthless poverty.
When will it end!
Who will save the babies!
Joanna Garcia
Joanna Garcia is a photographer based in the South Bronx. Her photography journey started when she attended Appel Farm in the summer of 2008 and took photography classes. Her photography knowledge expanded when she attended the New York City College of Technology in the Communication Design program. After graduating she continued to photograph primarily in the style of street photography. During the pandemic Joanna became a student of ICP at The Point online in the winter of 2021 and has since gained the confidence to explore other genres of photography.
In this project I photographed objects to create a horror-esque series. The process was challenging because I had to look at everyday objects that may not appear horror-like and editing them to achieve the theme. My photos are collectively in black and white with individuals composed of objects I find when I’m out in the city. As a group these photos create feelings of discomfort. For this project I had to be open with what camera I had in my hand. Photos featured in this series were shot on my phone and on my mirrorless camera. I also used photoshop to layer and blend photos to create composite photos. This technique has helped in creating the double exposure effect in some photos. This is a story I want to share because I think the fear of the unknown and objects that pertain to it should be embraced and be viewed with curiosity. Dabbling into this inspires me because it helps me think about my fears and how it affects my attitude towards life. I want to know why places, objects, symbols and photos cause discomfort. Why is it something that is harmless can cause some distress and avoidance. I want my viewers to look at the images and ponder at the reactions they feel towards viewing the photos.
Teaching Artist
Abigail Montes
ICP Co-Program Coordinator/
Lab Manager
Tiffany Williams
ICP Lab Manager