Growing up in Logan Square, 24-year-old photographer Deanna J. Smith has seen all the changes swirling around the neighborhood. But for her recent photo class at Columbia College that focuses on photography as a social practice, she wanted to see what the neighborhood looked like from other people’s eyes, like newer residents, older folks, and diverse creatives. And in a time when the world wants us to be apart, bringing together the local community through a common and accessible thread felt extra important.
That’s part of why 35-year-old photographer and resident Bryan McVey decided to participate in Through Your Eyes. He remembers growing up using film cameras to document events like school dances and family activities. The photo project is a “nod to the nostalgia, which brings lighthearted and good feelings to people,” McVey says.
“This project is all about accessibility and I don’t want anyone to feel like they are not welcome to come and look at the images and participate, whereas if you have an installation in a gallery, that’s very gatekeeper-y for people,” she says.
