My Phoenix: New Perspectives is a photographic exhibition that calls for students of Metro Tech High School to examine and document their experience and perspective’s of Phoenix as the new Phoenicians and as the future of the city. This collaborative exhibition surveys the work and perspectives of the 45 students that attend Metro Tech High School’s Digital Imaging program. It is a two-year program that receives students from across the Valley and is reflective of the entire Phoenix Union High School District.
The exhibition is the culmination of a month-long project in collaboration with the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Metro Tech High School’s Digital Imaging students and Lo Nuestro Gallery/Studio. The project was three fold and included: a presentation of contemporary art, curatorial practices, and the work of photographer Pedro Meyer, a visit to SMoCA to experience Pedro Meyer’s Heresies exhibition, and culminated in this student-produced photography exhibition.
Each student was challenged to critically examine their “reality” in Phoenix and their culture as young Phoenicians. Students were encouraged to engage in their community as contemporary artists and learn about the power and “heresies” of photography. More importantly, the students were given the opportunity to participate on a collaborative project with the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art [SMoCA] and the Pedro Meyer’s Heresies exhibition, a project with both national and international significance.
My Phoenix: New Perspectives tells a new story of this rapidly growing city and is reflective of contemporary issues and perspectives of today’s young Phoenicians.
Pedro Meyer’s Heresies is on view at SMoCA through January 18, 2009, 7380 E. 2nd Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. For information, call 480-874-4666.
April Bojorquez
Guest Curator of Public Programs
MY Phoenix: New Perspectives (selected images)
