photographic journal volume 20 num. 1
Contents
E d i t o r i a l E s s a y
Living Latina:
The Bronx Women’ s Photo Collective
Introduction 2 – 3
Rhynna M. Santos 4 – 11
Sandra Ayala 12 – 17
Lizzy Alejandro 18 – 23
Copyright © 2016 by En Foco, Inc. ISSN 0887-5855 All Rights Reserved 1125 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10452 www. enfoco. org | twitter /@ enfoco facebook / enfoco | instagram / enfoco _ inc
Nueva Luz is made possible through the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, private contributors, members, and subscribers.
This issue of Nueva Luz is a departure from our previously curated publications. The values that En Foco treasures with great pride are a commitment to quality, professionalism, cultural equity, and community. These values will not be compromised instead they will be forcefully asserted. What will be emphasized in future issues will be lack of cultural equity and access to funding resources for artists, arts organizations, and community groups of color. At the same time, we want to document photography initiatives organized by community-based collectives and informal groups that reflect contemporary values not always represented in the mainstream art scene.
One such voice that burst onto the scene is the recently formed Bronx Women’ s Photo Collective by Rhynna M. Santos, Sandra Ayala, and Lizzy Alejandro. Their curated exhibition, Living Latina at Lincoln Hospital in the South Bronx reflected the voices of these Puerto Rican women photographers as they interpreted their respective cultural values, communities, and personal visions. Rhynna M. Santos’ sensitive portrayal of Puerto Rican Muslim women defies the usual cultural stereotype; whereas Sandra Ayala’ s reimagined images of legendary Latina performing artists who have inspired young women; and Lizzy Alejandro documents women who have chosen non-traditional roles. These are voices that are rarely heard beyond the confines of their homes and neighborhoods. The Living Latina exhibition is a testimonial to these three Puerto Rican photographers and the vision they share with the public.
Rhynna M. Santos
Within the context of the United States invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan, it fueled the rise of radical Islamic fundamentalism throughout the Middle East and its spread to the United States. The excesses of these radical fundamentalists has fueled widespread Islamic-phobia against the law-abiding members of our communities.
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