On the Champs(M.A. Reilly, December, 2023)

Monday, September 5, 2011

Looking Past the Flood Waters: Seeing Paterson

Dear President Obama and Governor Christie,

I was pleased to know that yesterday you each made your way to Paterson, NJ to visit there a bit and have a look around at the destruction of property brought via Hurricane Irene. For the last 12 months, I have been shooting images in Paterson on a fairly regular basis. I am hoping that when you find a quiet place you will be able to look beyond the flood damage and see the human damage that is happening to the good people of Paterson. The damage is not simply because of a hurricane--however bad that damage has been--but more so as a result of the economic policies each of you endorses.

Settling America's debt on the shoulders of the poor has always been wrong. 

Here a few images I've made in Paterson, NJ during the last few months.

Mary Ann Reilly

Not Getting By

Waiting for Godot

Condemned

Chair

Trickle Down Economy

Brick City


Aftermath

At the Station, Again

Voyeur (Detail)

Down by the River

Something Like Wishing


Out Walking

Grace
Waiting
Pretty in Pink

Rainbow

Silk City

Sketching

After the Flood

Aftermath II

Winter's End

Ain't I a Woman?

Leaving

Sisyphus

All Hallow's Eve
At the Station

Late Fall

What's Left Behind




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8 comments:

  1. robSeptember 5, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    here'sa to hoping someone other than a back office flak actually looks at this.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousSeptember 5, 2011 at 12:52 PM

    Thanks Mary Ann. If only...

    D/

    ReplyDelete
  3. Mary Ann ReillySeptember 5, 2011 at 1:07 PM

    We can only pit it out there. Hope both take a look, but yes I know it's art and poverty and neither are terribly popular.

    ReplyDelete
  4. monika hardySeptember 5, 2011 at 1:13 PM

    so very poignant and graphic Mary Ann. thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Mary Ann ReillySeptember 5, 2011 at 1:24 PM

    I am drawn to the city. So complex. Appreciate you taking time to view:)

    ReplyDelete
  6. janinsanfranSeptember 8, 2011 at 1:21 AM

    Those are just marvelous images. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Mary Ann ReillySeptember 8, 2011 at 11:17 AM

    @janisanran Thanks for taking time to view. Appreciate that.

    ReplyDelete
  8. ElfarranSeptember 10, 2011 at 6:14 PM

    Beautiful images, M.A. I keep forgetting to add you on Instagram! Seeking these makes me want to re-read WC Williams's "Paterson."

    ReplyDelete

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