by Cristina Martinez
February 23, 2023
edited March 24, 2023
Archival photographs from the Austin Hansen Photograph Collection, Photographs, and Prints Division
"Been Seen places the work of Austin Hansen in conversation with seven contemporary photographers... Their practices explore identity, Black experiences, visual culture, and portraiture." - NYPL
In media, people of color are often left out of the picture. Their works and achievements are put aside for the works of others. History is erased in favor of a retelling that is more favorable to those that wish to put down or oppress. Rather than allow that narrative to continue Arturo Schomberg decided to enact change. He collected various works of people of color and then donated that collection to the New York Public Library. The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture continues on that legacy with the exhibition of Been Seen. It brings Black experiences and culture to the eyes of the people. Reminding viewers that these groups have Been Seen by each other, and allowing them to be seen by the rest of the world. Though the main focus is photographer Austin Hansen, there are several other contemporary photographers whose works are added to the conversation. These images show their subjects in positions where they are historically underrepresented, and in areas where they historically may have thrived. Displaying the ups and downs of their lives, and the vast history of Harlem and NYC.
One of these images was Harlem Ice #6, 2018, taken by Flo Ngala. When I think of figure skaters I think of the Olympics, of my many failed attempts at the rink to skate without clinging to the walls of the arena, but I never think of Black girls and women. Even just now, I looked up 'figure skaters' on the internet and very few BIPOC people appeared. This is an area of history in which Black people and their stories have been hidden or erased. Consequently, by erasing them from history there is a message portrayed to the world that because they haven't been in these positions before that they shouldn't be now.
The exhibit also has a handful of people portrayed who have made history. Eartha Kitt, an American singer and actress, whose iconic voice can be recognized everywhere. I remember her most from her role as Ezma in "The Emperor's New Groove". Another name that is recognizable to anyone who has taken a US history class is The Harlem Hellfighters. This regiment was the most celebrated African American Regiment from World War 1. Even in a time when people hated them for being alive they still fought for their country and the freedom of all those living in it.
The exhibit shows Black people in all different aspects of life. From youth to parenthood to activism to everyday activities. It shows people looking their best and at their most vulnerable. "Calmese says that Sunday morning is a guiding force in his photographic oeuvre as he recalls growing up in the church observing style and fashion of Sunday morning worshippers. Some of the most creatively dressed women are found in the pews..." - Deborah Willis, Ph.D., from Reinventing Self: The Photographs of Dario Calmese. The exhibition proves Schomberg right in his collecting these pieces. That there is a wealth of BIPOC history available, and that one only has to go looking for it to find it.
Exhibitions like Been Seen are important because of that fact; through the exhibition of BIPOC in positions that were withheld from society people can see for themselves that their dreams are possible. That they do have the chance to be an actor or a cowboy or a figure skater, because if it was done before it can be done again.
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