Featuring: Adriel Michelle Barnett, Alexandria McCray, Bre Johnson, Chiemeka Offor, Corrine Jasmin, Edwina Hay, Hanna Wondmagegn, Kalena Burwell, Kenny Shiloh Russell, Laila Annmarie Stevens, Maria J. Hackett, Latricia Morgan, Shavon Meyers, Tremeika Small, and Zenobia Philippe
What We See When We Are Seen is a curated exhibition celebrating the New York-based members of Black Women Photographers (BWP). BWP is a global community, directory, and support hub founded in July 2020 by Polly Irungu. The exhibition highlights the breadth, depth, and impact of Black and African women visual artists whose work spans continents, disciplines, and ways of seeing. This showcase brings together work from within the BWP NYC community to reflect the expansive nature of Black women’s visual storytelling. From global narratives and local histories to portraiture, street photography, documentary practice, and community-driven projects, the exhibition offers a layered portrait of how Black women artists document, interpret, and shape the world around them. At its core, this project is about visibility and access—who gets seen, who gets remembered, and who gets commissioned. By centering Black Women Photographers, the exhibition challenges traditional gatekeeping in the visual arts and affirms the importance of inclusive, community-rooted storytelling.
Organizations
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Black Women Photographers
Black Women Photographers (BWP) is dedicated to dismantling barriers that make it difficult to discover and commission Black creatives. Our mission is to serve as a trusted resource for industry gatekeepers while ensuring Black and African women creatives receive the visibility, recognition, and professional opportunities they deserve.
Founded in July 2020 by Polly Irungu, BWP has grown into a global community, directory, and support hub representing over 2,100 creatives across 60+ countries and 35 US states. What began as a COVID-19 Relief Fund supporting photographers facing financial hardship has evolved into a leading provider of grants, resources, and equipment. To date, BWP has awarded more than $230,000 in financial grants and distributed over $80,000 in camera gear.
BWP fosters a thriving ecosystem where Black women creatives can gain recognition and secure paid work. Our actively maintained database connects members with brands, editors, producers, and art buyers seeking diverse talent. We also offer free educational programming, including our annual summit, workshops, webinars, portfolio reviews, and networking events. Through ongoing partnerships, grant opportunities, and both virtual and in-person programming, BWP remains committed to expanding access and advancing careers.
More than a platform, BWP is a movement ensuring Black and African women visual artists are seen, valued, and empowered worldwide.
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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
What We See When We Are Seen
Featuring: Various Artists
Curated by: Polly Irungu
Locations
View Location Details Download a detailed map of this location Brooklyn Bridge Park – Emily Warren Roebling Plaza1 Water St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
This location is part of Brooklyn Bridge Park
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The views and opinions expressed in this exhibit are those of the exhibition artists and partners and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Photoville or any other participants and partners of the Photoville Festival.
