Photoville

Aemilia Harbutt
Aemilia Harbutt
Reuben Kreps
Charlotte Reisner

STUDENT ADJUDICATORS: Arleth Adorno, Alvee Akhiar, Eliyas Alareqi, Jasmin Ashurova, Luis Bello, Michael Chen, Sophie Chen, Jessica Chen, Sean Collins, Marguerite Culpepper, Teoman Dalton, Sraddha Das, Maria De Las Nueces, Jayden DelValle, Elise Denis, Kaitlyn Due, Santana Dunkley, Anthony Feliciano, West Fischer, Jonathan Fontanez, Jed Garcia, Ulysse Gaulot, Isabelle Ginsberg, Hermes Haeringer Nadal, Nora Haeringer Nadal, Iyed Hajji, Joris Heijmenberg, Melanie Hidalgo, Lucas Jiang, Joshua Katz, Scout Kratchman-Garcia, Ryan Liu, Frankie Malmstrom, Adiyan Mamun, Amara Maxwell, Briana Mendoza, Bowden Methal, Giselle Quiroz-Alejo, Minhyo Ryu, Samiul Sami, Vani Sikka, Miles Simpson, Michael Solarz, Connor Stewart, Emily Toris, Nanjiba Uddin, Fletcher Walker, Lucy Weiss, Evan Wu, Flor Zellerford-Agron

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Celebrating Middle School 51’s long history of photography education, which began in the 1980s under photography teacher (and local legend) Joe Zarba, our program has expanded and progressed since its inception. While initially darkroom-only, the school expanded its digital program through grass-roots fundraising so that students have access to both mediums. So many former students of this program have had the trajectory of their lives changed by the lessons instilled here. A surprising number of students have grown up to become professional photographers or work in the arts, while others use their skills more casually.

This show is self-referential in its process; current M.S. 51 students adjudicate the photographic works of students who attended William Alexander Middle School 51’s photography program. Submission requests went out to Amy Flatow, Erica Uhlenbeck, Lily Yip, and Joe Zarba, who have all taught photography at William Alexander Middle School 51 over our four-decade history.

Student-adjudicators drew on their prior experience with Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) in the classroom; a method of student-centered response to photographs and art. This practice was introduced into Amy Flatow’s teaching practice following a 2017 educator’s intensive on VTS hosted by Photoville. Student-adjudicators used critical thinking in response to approximately 200 submissions of work that was created in their program, from their community in Brooklyn spanning 40 years.

About the Artists

Aemilia Harbutt

Deerctopus, 2017

Digital Composition

Teacher: Amy Flatow

Alan Kennedy

Riverside Park, 1998

Silver Gelatin Darkroom Print

Teacher: Joe Zarba

“Joe Zarba gave us a new perspective on life.”

Alex Arturi

Untitled, 2019

Digital Photography

Teacher: Amy Flatow

Alita Gaulot

Ulysse, 2015

Digital Photography

Teacher: Amy Flatow

Allie Von Spreckelsen

Helena, 2015

Digital Photography

Teacher: Amy Flatow

“I can definitely thank my time [in the M.S. 51 photography program] for my deep sense of appreciation of the power of an image.”

Archana Vaithilingam

Walrilla, 2019

Digital Composition

Teacher: Amy Flatow

“The MS 51 Photography program has left a lasting impression on me. Ms. Flatow is an amazing role model who showed us that anyone has the potential to be an artist. She has taught me to appreciate and develop an eye for art and photography. The lessons we learned about the responsibilities of storytelling and documentation through photography will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Archie Kranz

Everything is Not OK, 2018

Digital Photography

Teacher: Amy Flatow

Bianca Soto-King

Got’cha!, 2002

Silver Gelatin Darkroom Print

Teacher: Joe Zarba

“The photography program in M.S. 51 was a one of a kind experience. I learned so much about not only photography but myself. Joe Zarba inspired my creativity and inspired me as a person. I am the educator I am today partially because of him.”

Charlie St. John

Pegasus, 2017

Silver Gelatin Darkroom Print

Teacher: Amy Flatow

Charlotte Reisner

Vibrance, 2023

Digital Photography

Teacher: Amy Flatow

Dan Arturi

Untitled, 2017

Digital Photography

Teacher: Amy Flatow

Daynna R. Ladias

Rotation and Light, 2019

Digital Photography

Teacher: Amy Flatow

“The most memorable thing that I will take away from this photography program is to have confidence in my creativity. In 8th grade, we have to be more vulnerable for some projects. Being more vulnerable made me realize that you can find strength in vulnerability.”

Eva Li

Chinese New Year, 2018

Digital Photography

Teacher: Amy Flatow

“The M.S. 51 Photography program has helped me see the world through a wider lens. My camera gave me reason to explore the hidden corners of the city and appreciate the little things, one photo at a time. My curiosity was able to bloom as I scanned my surroundings for special moments to capture and experimented with different techniques. The program has also taught me the importance of telling my story, as a well crafted image can carry the weight of a thousand words.”

Finn Kiesow-Schenck

Untitled, 2017

Digital Photography

Teacher: Amy Flatow

Finn Lewis

Untitled, 2020

Digital Photography

Teacher: Amy Flatow

Hannah Rajalingam

Untitled, 2019

Silver Gelatin Darkroom Print

Teacher: Amy Flatow

“It encourages me to work outside of my comfort zone and dream big. Ms. Flatow always had confidence in her students to produce their best work. It was an incredible learning environment.”

Isabel Bruce

Solitary, 2020

Digital Photography

Teacher: Amy Flatow

“Ms. Flatow pushed me to venture outside of the box. Photography class was always something I looked forward to; it pushed me out of my comfort zones and forced me to experience new things. I felt comfortable in [her] classroom, and very supported by classmates.”

Isabelle Fernandez

Untitled, 2010

Silver Gelatin Darkroom Print

Teacher: Amy Flatow

Jack Adam

Broadway & Astor Place, 2015

Silver Gelatin Darkroom Print

Teacher: Amy Flatow

“I think the most memorable thing was really just all of the time spent in the darkroom.”

Jacob Wasserman

Occupy Wall Street, 2011

Silver Gelatin Darkroom Print

Teacher: Amy Flatow

Jason Lin

Procrastination, 2020

Digital Composition

Teacher: Amy Flatow

Jay Peetz-Alio

Pure and Fragile, 2019

Digital Photograph

Teacher: Amy Flatow

“The MS 51 photography program gave me the opportunity to learn, discover the world around me, experiment, create, develop skills and fulfill a passion. I couldn’t be more thankful! I hope that the program continues forever so others can get the same amazing benefits.”

Jennifer Episcopo

Little Sis, 1995

Silver Gelatin Darkroom Print

Teacher: Joe Zarba

Johan Nolasco

Untitled, 2012

Silver Gelatin Darkroom Print

Teacher: Amy Flatow

“The photography program at M.S. 51 gives our youth an accessible outlet to create art and enjoy art. It helped me see that creative expression isn’t limited to just paper and pen, but instead focuses on trying to figure out how to formalize your vision. Truly a cultivating, warming and nurturing place.”

Jordan Burda

Two Figures, 2017

Digital Photograph

Teacher: Amy Flatow

Judy Kuhn

Photogram, 2019

Silver Gelatin Darkroom Print

Teacher: Amy Flatow

Kate O’Brien

Kendra, 1996

Silver Gelatin Darkroom Print

Teacher: Joe Zarba

Kendra Heisler

Becca and Lily, 1996

Silver Gelatin Darkroom Print

Teacher: Joe Zarba

Kristin Rafferty

Dad’s Shop, 1998

Silver Gelatin Darkroom Print

Teacher: Joe Zarba

“Having had severe anxiety during Middle School, I didn’t feel ready to branch out and perform on stage the way my family hoped I would. Being in photography gave me a lens to temporarily hide behind while still having a space to showcase my creativity. Mr. Zarba played an enormous part in helping me to climb out of my shell.”

*Current teacher at M.S. 51

Laura Coogan

Crest over Italian Door, 2000

Silver Gelatin Darkroom Print

Teacher: Joe Zarba

Lily Chandler

Port, 2020

Large Format Photography

Silver Gelatin Darkroom Print

Teacher: Amy Flatow

“One of the most memorable things that I will take away from this photography program is the experience in the darkroom.”

Lucie Canzoniero

Time Capsule Country, 2018

Digital Photography

Teacher: Amy Flatow

“I was always a shy kid. When I arrived at M.S. 51 at eleven years old and was handed a camera. My world was changed. It was the first time I was encouraged to have a voice in a medium that was comfortable to me. I learned how to use the strength inside of me into my photographs. Almost ten years later (which is insane) I am now the darkroom manager at my college and I continue to use my camera to have my voice be heard. It is a gift I was given that I will never be able to repay to 51 and the teachers there fully.”

Lukas Lipps

Hydrant, 2016

Digital Photography

Teacher: Amy Flatow

Marisol Colon

Untitled, 1989

Silver Gelatin Darkroom Print

Teacher: Joe Zarba

“The photography program at 51’s introduced me to this art form. It was the first time I used a manual camera and learned darkroom technique. Joe Zarba patiently showed us these basics but most importantly he taught us how to develop a photographer’s eye and to see the world from different angles and lighting. We weren’t students just taking photos, we were students learning to create art.”

Max Flatow

Untitled, 1998

Silver Gelatin Darkroom Print

Teacher: Joe Zarba

“Joe Zarba and the M.S. 51 photography program is the reason that I am a professional photographer today.”

Michael Frumin

Untitled, 1991

Silver Gelatin Darkroom Print

Teacher: Joe Zarba

Nora Geraghty

Untitled, 1993

Silver Gelatin Darkroom Print

Teacher: Joe Zarba

“Mr. Zarba taught me to see the everyday world through a camera lens, a different perspective. It has stayed with me my whole life and was one of the best things I’ve learned in school.”

Paul Korzan

Untitled, 1996

Silver Gelatin Darkroom Print

Teacher: Joe Zarba

Rachael Scharf

Venezia, 2001

Silver Gelatin Darkroom Print

Teacher: Joe Zarba

“Mr. Zarba’s photography class ignited a passion for photography and for Italy that has never left me. The class allowed us full creative freedom while giving us the tools to produce images in a variety of ways. I learned so much and have been able to incorporate many aspects of our photography class into my work and life. In 2015 as a Post-Bac student in Florence, IT, I combined my current medium, ceramics, with photography skills Mr. Zarba had taught us. My final exhibit consisted of thrown terra-cotta pottery painted with liquid emulsion and exposed with self portrait images. Quite a full circle moment!”

Raiyan Inan

Car Under the Stars, 2019

Digital Composition

Teacher: Amy Flatow

“Not only is the photography work itself amazing beyond words, a teacher like [Ms. Flatow] is also a big reason why I pursued this passion further. She made even the dullest aspects of photography a joy; she was a light-hearted and inspiring teacher that ensured photography was challenging but fun at every point.”

Reuben Kreps

Untitled, 2019

Digital Photography

Teacher: Amy Flatow

Santi Ogando

Red Hook, 2010

Silver Gelatin Darkroom Print

Teacher: Amy Flatow

Sara Hamid

Photojournalism Assignment, 2018

Digital Photography

Teacher: Amy Flatow

“The photography program has showed me a way of expression that will forever captivate me.”

Satabdi Saha

My father Praying, 2013

Digital Photography

Teacher: Amy Flatow

“Seeing this photo bought back so many memories of my dad. He passed away in 2020 so it was emotional seeing this photo. I remember him saying there was nothing special about him praying and that I should take pictures of other things. Now I’m happy that I have this picture of him.”

Shawn West

Internal Vortex, 2015

Digital Photography

Teacher: Amy Flatow

Tom Grayson

Old Stone House, 2011

(Inspired by David Hockney)

Teacher: Amy Flatow

Violet Willoughby

Untitled, 2017

Digital Photography

Teacher: Amy Flatow

Zoe Katinos

Love Water, 2016

Digital Photography

Teacher: Amy Flatow

Organizations

  • William Alexander Middle School 51

    William Alexander Middle School 51

    MS 51 is a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive school with a community committed to ensuring all children feel supported and successful at this pivotal moment in their lives. Our curriculum, focused on challenging academics, an extensive study of the arts, and social-emotional learning, supports all students while they grow in their knowledge of themselves, one another, and the world.

  • Photoville

    Photoville

    Founded in 2011 in Brooklyn, NY, Photoville was built on the principles of addressing cultural equity and inclusion, which we are always striving for, by ensuring that the artists we exhibit are diverse in gender, class, and race.

    In pursuit of its mission, Photoville produces an annual, city-wide open air photography festival in New York City, a wide range of free educational community initiatives, and a nationwide program of public art exhibitions.

    By activating public spaces, amplifying visual storytellers, and creating unique and highly innovative exhibition and programming environments, we join the cause of nurturing a new lens of representation.

    Through creative partnerships with festivals, city agencies, and other nonprofit organizations, Photoville offers visual storytellers, educators, and students financial support, mentorship, and promotional & production resources, on a range of exhibition opportunities.

    For more information about Photoville visit, www.photoville.com

  • PhotoWings

    PhotoWings

    We’re honored to continue our partnership with Photoville for our 7th consecutive year, and to celebrate Photoville’s 12th edition!  Each year Photoville provides so many rich, unique, and diverse experiences in and around photography–PhotoWings is thrilled to help enrich this community as Education Partners.

    Our mission is to highlight and help facilitate the power of photography to influence the world. We help photography to be better understood, created, utilized, seen, and saved. We are dedicated to utilizing the power of photography to further deep thinking, communication, and action.

    The PhotoWings Outreach Program and our extensive media archive have myriad educational applications and possibilities, including projects from partners that cross disciplines, generations, and cultures. We also create toolkits/curricula for replication, adaptation and/or inspiration.

    PhotoWings has partnered to document the Photoville Talks for the past five years, to expand the ways the global community can be a part of these important dialogues. Explore the collection of Photoville Talks today!

    Be sure to check out all the Photoville Resources that have been supported in partnership with PhotoWings

    And for more information about PhotoWings, you can visit http://photowings.org/

     

Four Decades: A Retrospective of the M.S. 51 Student Photography Program

 archive : 2023

Featuring: Various Artists

Curated by: Amy Flatow

Presented by: William Alexander Middle School 51 and Photoville, in partnership with PhotoWings
  • William Alexander Middle School 51
  • Photoville
  • PhotoWings

Locations

View Location Details William Alexander Middle School 51

350 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Number 66 on the official photoville map Click to download this year's map

Recipient of the 2023 Photoville & PhotoWings Educator Exhibition Grant

This website was made possible thanks to the generous support and partnership of Photowings