We Are Here: Scenes from the Streets, a street photography exhibition at the International Center of Photography, reveals the vibrant narratives of city life.

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

NEW YORK, NY—We Are Here: Scenes from the Streets, a street photography exhibition at the International Center of Photography (ICP), is an opportunity to explore 50 years of contemporary public life. This groundbreaking photography exhibition showcases the unique perspectives of over 30 street photographers from diverse regions worldwide.

Curated by Isolde Brielmaier, PhD, alongside Noa Wynn, Independent Curatorial Assistant, this exhibit invites audiences to explore the vibrant narratives that streets across the globe encapsulate.

A Global Tapestry of Street Photography

We Are Here features the works of photographers from Algeria, China, Egypt, Germany, India, Japan, Russia, South Africa, the USA, and beyond, reshaping our understanding of public spaces. In an era marked by societal tensions and misunderstandings, this exhibition emphasizes the power of street photography to document local culture, community interactions, and the everyday dramas of urban life. The images in this art exhibition are a testimony to the resilience and shared humanity that exist in diverse communities.

Isolde Brielmaier, in discussing the exhibition, states, “We Are Here invites viewers to confront the richness and complexities of our modern, multifaceted life, emphasizing our shared humanity beyond geographic and cultural divides.” This sentiment captures the essence of the exhibition, where every photograph is a reminder that while circumstances may change, the core of our human experience remains consistent.

Elisabeth Sherman, ICP Senior Curator, highlights the complexities of street photography, noting, “Street photographers often navigate the complexities of power dynamics and privilege.” This exhibition ignites reflections and conversations about how gender, race, and socio-economic status shape our understanding of public spaces. Above all, it shows how they influence our everyday lives.

Diverse Voices in Photography

We Are Here is a movement that seeks to amplify fresh and previously underrepresented voices in street photography. This genre has often been overshadowed by more traditional forms of art, but this exhibition places it in the spotlight. It illustrates its importance as both an artistic discipline and a powerful storytelling tool. Notable photographers whose works are on display in this show include Devin Allen (USA) and Yolanda Andrade (Mexico). Others are Shoichi Aoki (Japan), Martha Cooper (USA), and Trevor Stuurman (South Africa).

Each of these artists contributes a unique perspective, collectively enriching the narrative tapestry of the exhibition.

Themes Explored in the Street Photography Exhibition

On the Shoulder of Giants: An Ode to New York

New York City, a pivotal hub for street photography, has nurtured numerous iconic photographers whose influences are palpable across generations. This section pays homage to those who have helped shape the genre, set against the dynamic backdrop of NYC’s streets. The vibrancy of this city serves as a living gallery, showcasing the evolution of street photography over decades.

Neighborhood and Community

Through a collaborative approach, the exhibition reveals the intimate fabric of neighborhoods and communities. Photographers engage with local residents to capture the social dynamics that define these areas. The resulting portraits and images provide an enriching understanding of the interconnectedness of people and places. It allows audiences to engage deeply with the stories that unfold in their environments.

Street Style and Self-Fashioning

Fashion is a powerful form of self-expression. In this exhibition, streets become catwalks for the authentic style of everyday individuals. The focus is on self-presentation as seen through the lens of street photographers who reject conventional staged fashion photography. This theme emphasizes the dynamic cultural trends and social movements that influence how individuals present themselves.

Urban Landscapes

As urbanization accelerates globally, street photographers document the ever-changing landscapes of contemporary cities. This theme showcases the ways in which imagemakers illustrate our interactions with natural, built, and social environments. These photographs serve as poignant reminders of the realities we navigate daily, offering insights into urban life.

Protest and Advocacy

Streets are essential arenas for social activism, and this section highlights powerful images of public dissent. By capturing moments of collective frustration and hope, this theme showcases how streets serve as vital spaces for expressing demands for change. The photographs narrate contemporary activism, emphasizing the streets’ role in shaping societal narratives.

A Must-See Exhibition Street Photography Exhibition

We Are Here: Scenes from the Streets at the International Center of Photography is a vital exploration of the stories embedded in urban life across the globe. The unique perspectives of the featured photographers invite audiences to engage with themes of community, identity, and activism. More importantly, it challenges viewers to reflect on their own experiences within public spaces.

For those seeking to understand the complexities of modern life through the lens of street photography, this exhibition is a must-see.  Visitors will experience the powerful narratives that bridge cultural and geographic divides.

• Featured Photo: Debrani DasDebrani Das, The blue city Jodhpur, from the series Anonymous, 2022. © Debrani Das

We Are Here: Scenes from the Streets is on view at the International Center of Photography (ICP), New York, September 26, 2024–January 6, 2025.