With an objective to support the career of an Atlanta emerging artist, MINT & Atlanta Celebrates Photography launched a call in spring 2021. José Ibarra Rizo was selected as the recipient of the award by a panel of five judges. In addition to this solo exhibition, the award included mentorship, professional development, and a stipend.
Somewhere in Between is an ongoing portrait series documenting the migrant experience in the American South. The subjects in this work represent a community that is rarely included and often misrepresented in American fine art. The series embraces and celebrates the journey of finding identity while navigating between two worlds.
Originally from a small town outside of Silao, Guanajuato, Mexico, José Ibarra Rizo migrated alongside his mother to the States at the age of seven. This journey through the Mexican-American border would forever shape and inform his creative approach to art making. José holds a B.A. in Studio Art from Georgia College & State University with a concentration in Drawing and Painting. He lives and works in Atlanta, Georgia.
This Fellowship was generously supported by longtime photography advocate and supporter Dr. Joe Massey, through the donation of proceeds from the de-acquisition of works from his permanent collection.
In-Person: Opening Reception Oct 08 6:00PM - 10:00PM
In-Person: Exhibition Oct 08 - Nov 06
In-Person: Artist's Reception Oct 23 2:00PM - 4:00PM
Moderated by Stephanie Dowda DeMer, featuring Shawn Campbell and José Ibarra Rizo.
Artists José Ibarro Rizo and Shawn Campbell both explore portraiture as a source of identity and storytelling in transformative ways. This artist dialogue will cover each artists' innovative studio practice, influences in pop culture and classical image making, as well as how their work reshapes social identities.