Josué Rivas

As an Indigenous storyteller, I’m developing a new method of photography that transforms the so-called subject into a collaborator. Each participant enters a safe space in which they can see themselves, and engage with their own image. Instead of me playing the conventional role of photographer, I step back and embody the role of facilitator. Each individual uses a shutter-release and can view themselves in a monitor across from them. They make and choose their own image, and then write a legacy statement on the photograph about how they want future generations to remember them.

This reminds us all that we have ancestors behind us, and one day we’ll be ancestors too. For instance, when you look at historical images of Indigenous peoples, we never got to hear from the people in the image because their true voices were silenced. The connection with future generations was severed, and we are robbed of their stories. The Standing Strong Project aims to bring a just and dignifying lens to our people.

The Power Of Telling Your Own Story

Featuring: Various Artists

Curated by: Josué Rivas

Locations

• #Indigenous Voices
• #Storytelling