My New York James Baldwin HS: Our New York Stories

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Our New York Stories

by George

by Theo

by Warren

by Imani

by Jessica

by Kesli

by Priscilla

These are excerpts from our first semester final projects. These photographs documents our New York Stories, where we live, who is in our lives, what we do.

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Foundation Statement: Spring 2008

Living in New York is a unique experience. In a city of 8 million, what role does the individual play? Where do each one of us fit into the puzzle?
By exploring the cultural history of New York in the 20th century, students will examine the role that community has played in the formation of our city. We will explore specific moments such as the Harlem Renaissance and early 20th century immigration to the LES that have had major impacts on the way New York has evolved. Students will examine the role that various NYC communities have played in this history. How do community and identity go hand in hand and what role do the arts play in this?
Students will then begin to explore their own identities within the city. Where is their community? Is it physical, like a neighborhood? Or, are they connected to others by their interests, beliefs, or heritage? Maybe their community is yet to be defined,
Over the course of the semester, students will create photographs in reaction to the historical and cultural material they view first hand. This will involve taking field trips and walking tours to important sites, looking at artists’ books and slideshows and doing individual research. They will then begin to turn the cameras on their own lives, attempting to create photo-stories that reflect their communities as they define them.

Community Connections!

This semester our after-school photo club will be involved in a very special collaboration.
We will be exchanging letters and photographs with South African peers at the Eluxolweni Boys Home in Port St. Johns, South Africa.
We have already begun writing letters back and forth and will be sharing our photos for the rest of the semester.
Theatre students at IS 52 are also involved with this project. At the end of the semester, there will be a collaborative piece involving work from all three groups.

Click to Learn more about Amapondo

Foundation Statement: Fall 2007

This is the ArtSpace blog for the James Baldwin High School after-school phography club.

Throughout the history of New York various groups of people have felt like outsiders in the city they live. Using the James Baldwin novel, “If Beale Street Could Talk” as a reference, students will explore what it means to feel like an outsider in your own city, Students will learn about factors such as immigration, xenophobia and discrimination that have led to such feelings of isolation.
Students will then begin to explore how communities in the city have served to counter this by supporting people and neighborhoods. Gathering first hand knowledge through walking tours, interviews and personal experience, students will learn about the role of community in the city.
Lastly, students will shape their view of what their own New York is. Where and when do they feel most comfortable? What factors contribute to these feelings?
Students will create photo essays, accompanied by writing, that illustrate their own personal versions of New York.

Essential Questions:

How do photographs help us to express emotions?

When do I feel like a stranger in my city, when do I feel like the city is my own?

What is community? What makes a strong community?

What part does art and photo play in community?