Exhibition Review: Everyday Bronx
© Jon Santiago, 2016
Written by Jaden Zalkind
Copy Edited by Kee'nan Haggen
Photo Edited by Olivia Castillo
Everyday Bronx is a Bronx-themed Instagram account that strictly features photographs from its followers and revises the stereotypical narrative of the Bronx by telling complex stories from daily lives in the borough. The exhibition will feature over 300 images, including 140 prints, and the rest being displayed on screens. By encouraging followers to photograph their neighborhoods, Everyday Bronx encompasses artistic expression from many individuals with different visions. Since their collection lacks photographs from trained photographers, it creates a unique archive. The pictures portray the Bronx, dissipating stereotypes and misconceptions. The Bronx Documentary Center is showcasing the series from March 31 to May 14.
© Rhynna M. Santos, @rhynnsantos, 2018
@roselyngrullon, 2022
This series is raw and personal, as many photos are unplanned and impromptu. The images are stills passing through the Bronx. Yes, all pieces are bonny, but their beauty lies in the idea that this is reality. No photo or video in this collection is not alike. Various images include a picture of kids dressed up in superhero costumes and a picture of a building. Each photographer has different visions and ideas of what they want to express.
© Richard Koek, @richardkoek, 2021
One of the photographs captures a woman riding in the passenger seat of a car with her head out the window, smiling. This photo focuses on the woman, but the background allows the viewer to see multiple store names of the borough. The significance of this piece showcases the Bronx’s character through everyday life.
© Chantal Heijnen, @chantalheijnen, 2018
© Edwin Torres, @edwintorresphoto, 2016
Everyday Bronx shows off the beauty and realness of the borough by presenting images taken by its natives. Encouraging people to photograph and document their homes by rewarding them with the opportunity to be featured on a well-known Instagram page and an art exhibit creates a better creative community. It gives people something to look forward to and may even show their interest in photography. Everyone should have the desire to capture and show off where they're from in the most authentic way. Let this series teach you that you don’t need to force beauty, but allow beauty to come to you.
© Michael Young, @mgyoungphotography, 2018
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