New York City is a rich patchwork of communities formed by ethnicity, culture, and shared experiences. Although New Yorkers share a physical space, proximity alone is not enough to create connection, understanding and tolerance. Our communities are too often siloed because of distance, language, political or social differences. Trust and cooperation between communities requires continuous and deliberate work.
Hey Neighbor NYC connects New Yorkers across cultural communities and boroughs using photographic portrait-making, conversations and public art.
New Yorkers from all five boroughs were nominated by cultural hubs in their communities because they are a ‘connector’ – someone who brings people together through organizing, advocacy or fellowship.
These connectors gathered together at a workshop, where they learned the art of photographic portraiture, which starts with building trust with their partner before stepping behind the camera to make a meaningful portrait. They entered the workshop as strangers, but departed with new understandings and friendships to connect back to their communities.
As you learn their stories, we invite you to consider how your story or your community’s story can also open a New York City connection.
About the Artists
Based in NYC, Kisha Bari is a Fijian / Italian mother, photographer and artist born and raised in Australia. Passionate about people and their stories, Kisha’s portraiture, documentary and public artwork focusses on humanitarian and social justice issues and building connection.
Kisha’s work has been installed at multiple museums in the U.S. and has presented three solo exhibitions at the Photoville Festival in NYC. Her work has been featured in media outlets worldwide and was the co-creator of the Winston-Salem Portrait Project.
Learn more about Kisha at kishabari.com.
Jasmin Chang is a Taiwanese-American artist and organizer who grew up in California and moved to New York City in 2011. Her practice explores photography, storytelling and art-making as portals to connect people and communities. She is the co-founder of Community Heroes, a community organizing and public art project long-term residents in New York City neighborhoods, and a co-lead artist of the Winston-Salem Portrait Project.
She was formerly the Deputy Director of Photoville, creating the organization’s education and community initiatives for its first ten years.
Learn more about Jasmin at jasminchang.com
