The Unseen

PPAC Teen Photo Exhibit

March 16-18, 2018

Open Hours:
March 16, Friday, 1-5pm
March 17, Saturday, 1-5pm
March 18, Sunday, 1-5pm                                                                                                                                                                                        Or email gravy.photo@gmail.com to set up an appointment

The meaning of the photographs you make change once your voice activates them. Without sharing vital information a photograph of a street will be a photograph of a street, but what if it was the street you learned to ride your bike on or where you had your first kiss?

PPAC's Teen Photo students were challenged to create a photograph that has a gap between what is seen within the frame and the context that lies beyond it (what remains unseen). The photographs that are the most precious to us extend beyond the subject matter alone. We like to share these images however practical, sentimental, or absurd.

We asked our students to take a picture of an everyday scene, person, or object that have “unseen” qualities that only they can interpret. The students were asked to provide further context on the back of the printed photograph.
Revealing what is only seen by them.

Twenty-one images have been selected by a juror. He has selected three winners and those winners have won photo equipment such as a camera, specific lens, and other accessories. All of the submissions are displayed on PPAC’s website (https://www.philaphotoarts.org/event/unseen/) and the top 21 images will be exhibited at Gravy Studio + Gallery on North 2nd Street. The opening celebration is March 16, 2018 5-7pm. 

Exhibiting Students include: Symir Austin, David Christopher Castellanos Benito, Marquis Bennett, Josue Castillo, Alexa Duca, Payton Fulton, Leila Ibrahim, NaBrayah Jones, Siaka Lemailloux, Asycurie Lombestova, Avery Martinez, Kate McDowell, Yiovanny Pagan, Yusheng Ren, Erika Rivera, Andora Robinson, Makeda Robinson, Jordyn Sanders, Amanda Smith, Tamera Stanley, and Sijia Zheng.

This contest was conceived of and supported by Phil Blumenkrantz to support PPAC's Teen Photo program in sharing the voices of youth with a greater community. Specials thanks to photojournalist, Melanie Stengel, for assistance with the jurying.

Teen Photo is supported by The Julian A. and Lois G. Brodsky Foundation, Connelly Foundation, David A. Cook Beautiful, Useful, Joyful Memorial Fund of the Philadelphia Foundation, The Nessa Forman, David Forman, Eleanor and Solomon Forman Family Fund of the Philadelphia Foundation, Henrietta Tower Wurts Memorial, Kinder Morgan Foundation, Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation, The Christopher Ludwick Foundation, Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation, PNC Charitable Trusts, and The Lawrence Saunders Fund.