‘Picture the Power’ captures messages of civic engagement in Louisiana
The exhibit features compelling images submitted by 65 professional and amateur photographers from across the state, showcasing democracy in action.
Nearly 100 guests gathered Sept. 5 at the YWCA Women’s Empowerment Center to celebrate the launch of Picture the Power, a statewide juried photography exhibition hosted by the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice.
The exhibit features compelling images submitted by 65 professional and amateur photographers from across the state, showcasing democracy in action. The work of 14 selected photographers is on display, with three honored for their contributions during the event.
At the start of the launch and gallery talk Dianna Payton, YWCA executive director, framed the exhibit within a broader context. “Without artists who shared their gift, we wouldn’t know the history or have memories to share with the next generation. Today is a (presentation) of this generation’s era, as we reflect on where we are in our country, our state, and our local community.”
Gerri Hobdy, director of the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice Arts Framework, explained the roots of creative civic movements. “In the ’60s and ’70s, the (Free) Southern Theater took small plays into communities to help folks know what was on the ballot, especially those who were not literate. It was creative people often risking the gun,” said Hobdy. She initiated the exhibit following Power Coalition President and Founder Ashley Shelton’s vision to integrate art into the organization’s work.
“Think about what would happen if we did not have creative people ― photographers, videographers ― when George Floyd was killed? The world moved because there was a creative person there who captured the moment,” she said while highlighting the enduring power of creatives to mobilize change.
“Picture the Power is more than an exhibition―it’s a visual testimony to the legacy and future of democracy in Louisiana,” Hobdy said.
This exhibit features photographs that document democracy in action, said Maya Miller, the exhibit director and a photographer, who realized she also “had a simple tool to document what is happening in our community”. She said the aim is to inspire future civic participation and celebrate the power of civic engagement.
For New Orleans photographer Johari Firven Smith, participating in the exhibition connects her to others who are also documenting “powerful, painful, and beautiful moments of resistance. It is a way to say, ‘we were here, and we didn’t stay silent’.”
The exhibit features New Orleans photographers: Chansey Augustine, Gus Bennet, Johari Firven Smith, Sydney Walker, Jay Evans, and Katie Sikorsky; Baton Rouge photographers Twajuana Spears, Austin Trosclair and Will Norwood; Jeanine Blaney of Lake Charles; and Danny Fortes of Hammond. Khaelyn Jackson of New Orleans won the President’s Legacy of Power Award. Dorcas Brandon of Baton Rouge won the Voice of the People Award. Antione Lacey of Baton Rouge won the Light of Democracy Award.
Cree Matlock, director of government affairs and policy at the Power Coalition, led the gallery talk and urged attendees to bring family members and others to vote in every election. She emphasized the direct impact of policies at all levels of government on daily life and warned about policies to implement an 8 p.m. curfew and an upcoming special legislative session focused on redistricting that could reduce Black representation.
“If you don’t speak up, if you don’t show up, they can make whatever decisions they want,” Matlock said.
“We chose photography because we wanted it to be able to go to flexible spaces,” Hobdy explained. “We have four galleries, museums that we’ll be visiting, and maybe some of the pieces will be in barbershops..(or)..hairdressers so they can start conversations that we really need to have right now.”
Next, the exhibit travels to Lake Charles’ Imperial Calcasieu Museum Sept. 11–25, Davis Studio and Creative Space in Shreveport Oct. 3–10, Mason Freetown in Lafayette Oct. 17–24, and the Shell Gallery Arts Council Greater in Baton Rouge November 10 – 28.
“We chose photography because we wanted it to be able to go to flexible spaces,” Hobdy explained. “We have four galleries, museums that we’ll be visiting, and maybe some of the pieces will be in barbershops..(or)..hairdressers so they can start conversations that we really need to have right now.”
