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Aria Isadora, March on Manhattan, Brooklyn Bridge,

March on Manhattan, Brooklyn Bridge, June 4th 2020
March on Manhattan, Brooklyn Bridge, June 4th 2020

‘The singing and chanting of the Alpha Phi Alpha carried us, moving something like five thousand people across the bridge from George Floyd’s memorial in Brooklyn over to Manhattan. In one moment, they stopped to recite ‘Invictus’ by William Ernest Henley – a poem fundamentally about having courage in the face of death and keeping dignity, despite being treated unfairly. At this point it was a few days into the protests, and each day even more people turned out. Each day people were even louder than before. Each day we were more committed.’ Aria Isadora, June 2020

Following the brutal killing of George Floyd on May 25th, 2020, demonstrations took place worldwide. People spilled onto the streets to express their frustration and disgust: Another Black body murdered by police in America. “Enough is enough”, they shouted. “No Justice. No Peace.”

These global demonstrations led to some truly remarkable photographs being captured. One, by New York-based photographer Aria Isadora, was impossible to forget. On June 4th Isadora captured a group of masked and suited Black Americans of Alpha Phi Alpha marching with urgent purpose across Brooklyn Bridge – right fists clenched and raised, towards Manhattan to make their protest heard.

Evoking the powerful images of the 60s Civil Rights Movement captured by Gordon Parks and Ernest Withers, Isadora’s image distils the spirit of this year’s protests. It is urgent and moving. It is pained and layered. In her composition, the men’s masks reflect the global pandemic, marking this specific moment in history. The strength of their raised arms is echoed in the cables on the bridge behind them, stretching skyward. Their march across that bridge becomes symbolic. While literal movement from one place to another, it signifies progress from the past to a new future that sees Black Lives Matter.

David Hill Gallery and Carrie Scott are working with the artist to offer prints of March on Manhattan in two sizes:

9.5 x 12 in. (24 x 30.5 cm) Baryta print, stamped with the artist’s signature, in open, unlimited, edition at GBP £100, unframed

16 x 20 in. (40 x 50 cm) silver gelatin exhibition print, signed by the artist and numbered, in an edition of twenty. These prints are priced at £1,500, unframed

David Hill Gallery and Carrie Scott Associates will not profit from these print sales. 50% of net income will go to the artist, with the remaining 50% going to support Until Freedom, the organisation nominated by the artist.

Contact david@davidhillgallery.net or carrie@carrie-scott.com to reserve your print or for additional information.

‘As a photographer, my weapon in combat is my camera. This moment in history is not just a moment for me, it is a movement deeply woven into my DNA. My ancestors were enslaved in this country, and it is my responsibility to fight. I fight on the front lines, and I educate my children. It is my responsibility to be present to document this moment, and to stand in solidarity with those who understand that change is a necessity.’

Aria Isadora, June 2020

www.davidhillgallery.net

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