NEW SOIL STATEMENT
\n< p>This exhibition explores the richly layered landscape of Rose City\, Ark ansas&mdash\;capturing the essence of a community that has experienced pro found transformations over time. From its origins as the first blue-collar neighborhood incorporated into North Little Rock\, Rose City is a demogra phically and socioeconomically diverse area shaped by industry\, commerce\ , and the lives of its residents. Through this collection of images\, we i nvite viewers to see the evolving heart of Rose City\, told through the le nses of three distinct local photographers\, each with their own narrative and vision of this complex\, yet resilient\, community.\nOur photo graphs document the spectrum of life here\, from the quiet streets of resi dential neighborhoods to the corners of commercial areas\, and the raw\, i ndustrial spaces that speak to its working-class roots. Each image reflect s a different facet of Rose City&rsquo\;s identity&mdash\;its pride\, its struggle\, and its endurance. \;
\nAs a collaborative project\, this exhibition brings together our shared commitment to not only preservi ng the visual history of Rose City but also celebrating the ways in which its past and present converge in unexpected beauty.
\nThrough our in dividual interpretations\, we seek to portray the often-overlooked nuances of this neighborhood&mdash\;the warm receptions from its residents\, the imprints of industry\, and the everyday life that continues to thrive amid st change. We hope this documentation fosters a deeper understanding of th e forces that have shaped this community and continue to define its future .
\nNew Soil is more than a visual record. It is an invitation to re flect on how landscapes\, like the people who inhabit them\, are living en tities&mdash\;constantly evolving\, forever shaped by the complex interpla y of history\, economics\, and human will.
\n\nARTIST S
\nDerek R. Slagle\, Ph.D. (b. 1984\, Ten nessee) is an American documentary and fine-art film photographer\, based in Little Rock\, Arkansas. His photographic work covers narratives primari ly in the Southern and Midwestern areas of the United States. His artistic practice has extended to partnerships with nonprofits and governmental en tities for documentation of science of conservation practices. Dr. Slagle has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Tennessee\, Knoxville\; a Master of Science from East Tennessee State University\; a Ph.D. from Flo rida Atlantic University\; and Executive Education from Harvard University . He was a 2023 Catalyze Grant recipient from the Mid-America Arts Allianc e. His photographs have been exhibited broadly in numerous museums\, galle ries\, and publications.
\nVincent Griffin (b. 1980 \, Arkansas) is a Southern documentary film photographer based in North Li ttle Rock\, Arkansas. He primarily focuses on chronicling the people\, pla ces\, and mythology of the Southern United States. His work has been featu red in notable exhibitions including the 59th Annual Delta Exhibition at t he Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts\, &ldquo\;Dogs &\; Children&rdquo\; cur ated by David Carol at the South x Southeast Photo Gallery in Molena\, Geo rgia\, and more recently\, the Small Works on Paper touring exhibition by Arkansas Heritage and the Arkansas Arts Council.
\nJustin Ha rrel (b. 1988\, Arkansas) Hailing from the enchanting landscapes of Arkansas\, Justin is a passionate photographer currently rooted in the vibrant city of Little Rock. His artistic journey took flight through a pr ofound love for the outdoors\, inspired by the diverse terrains that shape d his upbringing. Fueled by the legendary Tim Ernst&rsquo\;s work\, he ini tially ventured into digital photography\, capturing the timeless beauty o f the Ozarks. However\, his deepening connection to the craft led him to e mbrace film\, marking a transformative moment in his journey towards fine art photography. As a landscape photographer\, Justin weaves narratives of the natural wonders that have been his sanctuary since childhood. In port raiture\, he celebrates the diverse spirit of Arkansas\, capturing the uni que stories etched on each face in Little Rock. Venturing into street phot ography\, he documents the dynamic pulse of urban life in the lively stree ts of Arkansas. Each click of the shutter is an invitation to share his de ep connection with the Natural State\, where his art becomes a visual ode to the landscapes\, people\, and culture that define the essence of Justin &rsquo\;s photographic journey.
\nhttps://lamanlibrary.libnet.info/even t/12408274 URL;VALUE=URI:https://lamanlibrary.libnet.info/event/12408274 ATTACH:https://static.libnet.info/images/events/lamanlibrary/New_Soil_Exhi bit.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR