In Their Own Words

June 4-September 23, 2024

While photographs can speak volumes, there are times when words are essential to paint a more comprehensive picture. This exhibition, with its unique approach, amplifies the voice of the individuals depicted. Their personal narratives, recounting their journey to San Diego, are not just shared but are bravely superimposed upon their portraits. The artist, in a series of interviews, captured their stories, which now accompany the finished photograph. Rather than being placed alongside the photograph, the printed text was carefully affixed to the print, forging an inseparable bond between their words and the final image. 

It's important to note that some of the photographs in this exhibition touch upon the theme of violence. This is a stark reality for many asylum seekers arriving in San Diego. By exploring this issue, the exhibition aims to foster a deeper understanding and empathy within our community.

In Their Own Words is part of The New Colossus: A Photographic Celebration of San Diego’s Immigrant Communities, a City-wide exhibition series conceived of by artist and photographer John Raymond Mireles as part of the City’s Exposure Photo Fellowship. In Their Own Words and The New Colossus is on view through October 31, 2024.

For More information, to explore the City-wide exhibitions, and TRANSLATION, visit: sandiego.gov/exposurefellowship.

Exhibition Series: 

Homage, Vien Dong, and Colonnade I  City Administration Building Breezeway and Lobby 
In Their Own Words: Rancho Peñasquitos Branch Library
Main Street USA: City Heights/Weingart Branch Library
The Golden Era: College-Rolando Branch Library
Colonnade II: Pacific Beach Taylor Branch Library
Colonnade III: Valencia Park/Malcolm X Branch Library
Duality: San Ysidro Branch Library 
Individual Photo: Point Loma/Hervey Branch Library
Individual Photo: Linda Vista Branch Library
Individual Photo: University Community Library

The 2023 - 2024 Exposure fellowship is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts