In the Spring of 2009, the New York based photography duo Idris Rheubottom and Tony Craig and Detroit-based photographer Cybelle Codish collaborated to capture a series of still images that would portray the life and landscape of modern day Native Americans. Accompanying a documentary filmmaking crew, under the direction of Laguna filmmaker Billy Luther, the three photographers were given intimate access inside one of Luther's own Native American tribes as it prepared for the ancient tradition of Grab Day. Grab Day is a celebration of abundance, thanks, and renewal that occurs within the villages of the Laguna Pueblo Reservation where outside photography and cameras have never been allowed.
The prestigious honor of Luther's film premiering as an Official Selection of the 2011 Sundance Film Festival, has brought attention to the rare subject matter portrayed in this body of work. In these images a story of contrast is shared between the ways of the Laguna people, their ancestors, and the world that surrounds them today. Over forty prints of the land, people, and tradition of the Laguna Pueblo Tribe have been carefully curated by Luther for this upcoming exhibition.
As Luther's documentary travels the festival circuit the work of these three photographers will be published and exhibited, independently and in conjunction with the film. After the exhibitions first run at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian, which coincides with the premiere of the documentary at Sundance, The National Geographic Museum and the United Nations have expressed interest in showing the collection.
HELP TO SUPPORT THIS PROJECT...
There are many costs involved in continuing to showcase an exhibition on this scale and of this caliber. These costs include: promotional materials, installation fees, secure art packaging, shipping, and general maintenance of the collection. The funds from your generous donations will not only help to meet the financial goals needed to continue this exhibition, but will afford these emerging photographers the opportunity to showcase their work in numerous prestigious venues around the world. They hope to count on your support.
To make a donation please e-mail grabtheexhibition@gmail.com to find out more details.
