Photo by Jeffrey Zapata, shown at “The Hostos Neighborhood” exhibit at the A-Atrium.
As the sun shines over the bustling streets of the Bronx, a different kind of illumination awaits those who visit Hostos Community College. On display in the sun-dappled A-Atrium, a gallery of visual narratives unfolds, each photograph portraying a story about the College’s surroundings in the southern section of the northernmost borough of New York City.
Since it opened on Friday, May 3, the photo exhibition, "The Hostos Neighborhood," has taken viewers on a journey through the lens of ten talented photographers, all students of the "First-Year Seminar: A New York State of Mind," taught this Spring 2024 by Humanities Professor Michelle Cheikin. Their work delves deep into the historical and contemporary narratives that define the Bronx from different perspectives, including infrastructure, social life, and culture.
“This isn’t a photography class, but they really learned the language of photography and produced strong images. I wanted to see what they were going to come up with, and instead of telling them what I know about the Bronx, I let them show me what they saw, so it gave the exhibit a more personal perspective,” said Professor Cheikin.
Professor Cheikin’s teaching extended far beyond the technicalities of photography. Through her guidance, students learned the history of the Bronx. From the urban planning ideologies of Robert Moses to the sustainability initiatives like capping proposals, Cheikin showed them the infrastructure and societal dynamics of the borough. By intertwining historical context with contemporary issues like gentrification and community activism, she equipped her students with a profound understanding of the Bronx's past, present, and future.
With that in mind, it was up to the students to capture the knowledge imparted in the classroom through their own unique perspectives and lenses.
One of the most intriguing facets of the Bronx is its distinction as the borough with the most green space, which sparked inspiration in student Steven García. This prompted him to capture a mesmerizing image of several trees upside down, creating an illusion that they were suspended from a roof, reflecting the borough's natural beauty from an unconventional perspective.
“The Bronx is more than its stereotypes suggest, embodying a rich blend of culture, resilience, and natural beauty,” shared García. “While it may have faced challenges in the past, today, it boasts an array of attributes that showcase its vibrant and diverse community and abundant green spaces. Its parks, constructed upon existing community foundations, stand as shining examples of this synergy.”
Photo by Steven García.
Student Odalys Solano took a unique infrastructural approach, capturing a street divider that appears slightly askew, symbolizing the journey towards fulfilling dreams. Through her lens, she encapsulated the resilience of individuals navigating life's obstacles while staying steadfast on their paths to success.
“As diverse as the South Bronx is, we are all the same in that we are doing our best to stay strong and carry on towards our goals. This line shows the path to a road. It reminded me that, just like this divider, we are all trying to figure it out, making sure not to lean towards the wrong side [...]. We are trying to attain the common goal of achieving our dreams and [...] go farther than we can make it,” she explained.
Photo by Odalys Solano.
At the exhibit, you can also immerse yourself in the captivating works of photographers Lauren Laurick, Tyasia Messam, Melanie Ramírez, Jeffrey Miranda Zapata, Kimairis Morales, Alexandria Zapater, and Mía Amaris Figueroa. Each photo offers a unique perspective on the Hostos neighborhood's rich stories and experiences. The showcase will run until Wednesday, May 15, and each student received a $25 prize for their images, adding another layer of appreciation to their exploration of the South Bronx.
"The Hostos Neighborhood" is part of the Educating for Diversity: Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift President’s Initiatives.