As you know, the focus of this semester in Honors is Hearing the Voices of Immigrants. Today we heard those voices in yet another way, through art. This month's convocation was an art show centered around the book of the year The Middle of Everywhere. Approximately 5 different artists displayed their art for all to see along the hallway. At first I was very overwhelmed, if I didn't have to work at 1 I could have been there much longer. For the first 15 minutes we were allowed to walk freely up and down the hallway viewing the different artworks. Then all the artists that could make it spoke to us about the pieces they were presenting. The artist that stuck out the most to me wing Wing Young Huie.
Wing Young Huie's photo that he shared was one of many pieces in a large project he is doing. He is currently photographing different aspects of life, more specifically immigrant life, along University Ave. As well as photographing along University, he's going into the different neighborhoods and exploring the culture there as well. Obviously this caught my attention since we are so close to University Ave. The project is supposed to be finished and displayed along the streets of University sometime in 2010. I think the concept for this project is very interesting and am excited to see the finished project. On the MPR website, there is a glimpse into the finished project. He mentioned the possibility of needing volunteers when it comes time to display, so I think I may do that when the time comes. I just think this project is so intriging and would love to learn more about it as well as all the culture that encompases this area.
A comment left on Wing's website for a similar project on Lake Street explains my feelings very well. The anonymous comment reads...
"These photos show us, real and valuable just as we are. They are sad because they aren't the perfect images of others we're used to seeing. They are empowering for the same reason. Thanks, for these images and a chance to respond. Peace"
I've only lived in Minnnesota for 5 years, and only one of those was really in the Twin Cities. The level of diversity and culture is just so exciting to me. I think it is very important that Wing is taking the time to photograph and share the different stories the city. What I like the most is the way he is presenting the finished project. Displaying the images along the 6-mile stretch of University Avenue just serves as a reminder of all the different cultures within the community. For me personally, it also serves as enouragement to explore and learn more about them.
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