The Social Reformation Through a Lens exhibition will focus on social justice and freedom movements dating from the 1940s until the present (2024). This exhibition will examine how photography has been included in these social freedom movements. The camera was and still is an essential tool used to document and bring awareness to social issues that were and still are present in America. The camera can be credited to the progression of these movements that photographers captured. Movements such as but not limited to the Civil Rights Movement, Selma to Montgomery March, and March on Washington.
The documentation of these social issues was critical to the survival of people and the advancement of these movements. The camera has opened a lens for all to see through, which gives access to content from previous generations that allows for future generations knowledge regarding these issues in our society to grow. The featured 28 pieces within the exhibition will capture moments of emotional and dramatic connection that allow genuine emotions to be brought to the surface and the subject as well as its surroundings to be acknowledged, ultimately bringing awareness to these critical moments in history while also examining the usage of photography in these social reformation movements. Photography has made a significant impact on some of the laws that are established in America today. Photography and the camera have brought attention to many issues that were often dismissed and silenced.
The exhibition also includes archival documents that help emphasize the importance of the feature social reformation movements. The exhibition features posters that were used during the protest movements. This exhibition will examine the role the arts and photography played in the advancement and progression of social reformation movements throughout America. This exhibition is essential and key to understanding how the camera works as a digital archive and is still used in society today to fight against issues such as police brutality, social inequalities, and injustices.