MOCA GA / Calendar

From the MOCA GA Permanent Collection: Young Americans by Sheila Pree Bright

Leading up to the 2008 election year, photographer, Sheila Pree Bright set out to discover the complexity of attitudes and beliefs in a diverse cross-section of young people (generation y) in contemporary America. The project, was conceived in association with Sheila’s artist-in-residency at The Amistad Center for Art & Culture Inc at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Hartford, CT, and further supported with a grant from the CT Aetna Foundation.

The visual fulcrum of Sheila’s process was the incorporation of an American flag. This venerated symbol of the United States is recognized worldwide. The attributes and values for which are reinforced through our national anthem and pledge of allegiance, and the symbol is used as an emblematic expression of rights movements, again and again.

For this project, Sheila Pree Bright asked a diverse group of young people (18-25) to pose with the flag in an expression of their feelings towards and identities with the United States of America.  Accompanying statements from participants added to the extremely diverse archive of thoughts and opinions, which as a whole, showed pride in their country, while still showing a great deal of skepticism, and questioning.

The exhibition traveled nationally, and was accompanied by the full color catalogue “Young Americans Photographs by Sheila Pree Bright” with essay by Lisa Henry, Artist Interview by Rehema C. Barber, and edited by Julian Cox.

Image detail of:  David Gutierrez, age 20, Korean Mexican, 2008, Photograph, Chromogenic Print, 40 x 30 inches by Sheila Pree Bright

All Permanent Collection works by Shiela Pree Bright