The Works is a curation of art and prose submitted by Chicago’s diverse creative community. In this creative work, Front Porch Arts Center shares some of its favorite photo submissions from its Juneteenth photo contest.
Front Porch Arts Center sponsored a Juneteenth Photography Contest seeking submissions that celebrated both the West Side of Chicago and the spirit of Juneteenth. The contest was judged by Edna M. Togba, Artist and Arts Administrator.
Here are a few of our favorite images.
Photo by Taschaunda Hall:
“A celebration of Ophelia Turner, a Black woman who lived almost 100 years. She was a homeowner on Adams & Homan in a two story building over 30 years ago. The unit is known in Chicago as a greystone in the community often referred to as Fifth City. This image was taken inside the building that is said to have been built in 1893.”
Photo by Cleo Cartwright:
“Afro Bliss” is a series of self portraits I’ve been doing at home in my photography studio. I came across an old photo of my mom in high school showing off her beautiful afro in a field of flowers behind her. Paying homage to my mommy, she’s my inspiration for this self portrait.
Photo by Taschaunda Hall:
“Image of a young black woman who skateboards on the West Side of Chicago.”
Photo by Alt_Chicago:
“From Project Stamp, a free family photo day of Austin residents. We use these photographs for the public beautification of the community by stamping them all over Austin. Stamping our neighborhood with our own narrative, our own brand, our own legacy. Together.”
Photo by Antonia Amir:
Title: Well Dressed
Taken: May 27, 2018
Location: Madison & Pulaski
Front Porch Arts Center (FPAC) was created in the summer of 2019 to meet the needs of West Side communities that although rich and vibrant, are also artistically and economically under-served. Our work reexamines African-American social and cultural history by creating spaces that explore our complex contemporary narratives.
