When Raquel Monroe thinks of democracy, she envisions a certain freedom.
“I was interested in pictures . . . the way that the bodies are seated or the way that the bodies are still, they feel as if they are about to step up out of the camera,” she says. “They’re about to move.”
Sharon Bloyd-Peshkin, an associate professor of journalism, curated a collection about photojournalism and the role of free press in democracy, both in history and today. Her gallery features photographs that show stories of protest and struggle, but also those that show joy and dignity.
“There is a lot of optimism, but there’s also a lot of skepticism and critical thinking here, too,” Irvine said. “I think that that’s the strength of the show. You’re allowed to think about democracy in very complicated ways and from very different angles.” v
Through 12/23, Monday-Saturday 10 AM-5 PM, Museum of Contemporary Photography, 600 S. Michigan, mocp.org, free, reservation required.
