The New York Photo Festival is proud yet humbled to present SANDY: Devastation, Document, Drive, a vast visual document of Superstorm Sandy created by photographers of all backgrounds “from career photojournalists to judiciously situated cell phone owners and ardent Instagrammers. Also included are similar scenes repeating ever more frequently across the globe. Witnessing the damage”and the drive to rebuild”got us thinking: is global warming killing us softly, or are we more aware of it with the expanding arsenal of tools and active witnesses?
All of the photographs in this diverse show were submitted as part of an open call and serve as a visual record of what we saw firsthand just three short months ago, and how similarly we mourn and regroup, in the northeast, in the U.S., in just about every place natural disasters occur, regularly or once a century. Many on the East Coast are still rebuilding, are still without homes and businesses, and still need your help.
We hope that you take the time to ponder these photographs and what they mean to those affected by the storm. It is our goal to make sure these devastating visuals and inspiring depictions of lending hands, first responders, and those who have given aid remain at the forefront of the public consciousness.
New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, summed it up best when he said, "Anyone who thinks that there is not a dramatic change in weather patterns is denying reality."
Large devastating storms like Sandy generate non-stop news coverage in the hours, days, and weeks after the initial tragedy. Too often, as the story begins to fade, so does the awareness about those still in need. While those in the areas deeply affected by Sandy are still rebuilding “and will be for quite some time“ it is our goal to make sure the devastating visuals from the storm remain at the forefront of the public consciousness.
Photographs included in the exhibition are viewable in a slideshow on our website and in a printed exhibition at The POWERHOUSE Arena from February 4, 2013 to March 1, 2013.
Exhibition dates: February 4th to March 1
Reception: Wednesday, February 13, 7-9PM
At the reception, attendees will be able to remove photographs from the Arena walls for a suggested donation of $5 per photograph.
Proceeds will benefit artists receiving funds through the New York Foundation for the Arts Emergency Relief Fund.