When you hear the phrase “the 99 percent,” many different images and ideas come to mind. Popular news media and have labeled the protesters in various ways, portraying much of the occupy movement in a rather negative manner.
That’s why Brooklyn photographer Vanessa Bahmani decided to let the 99 percent portray themselves.
Armed with a camera and white board, she took to Zucotti Park -- the birthplace of the Occupy Movement -- to document who is there and why. The result is an authentic look at concerned Americans – students, veterans, families, children, and even people on Wall Street – seeking new solutions and thirsty for change.
The Huffington Post reports:
Bahmani set up a photo booth at Zuccotti Park alongside a dry erase board and marker, asking each protestor to explain why he or she was at Occupy. Between October and December 31 Bahmani took hundreds of portraits, portraits of veterans, pilots, families, children, students, doctors, investment bankers, and even wall street employees and members of the 1% that sought change. Each portrait contains a personal manifesto, combining the humanity of an individual face with the powerful momentum of the 99%'s values.
Bahmani’s photo project continues to develop via Kickstarter, where you can read more about her vision and support her endeavor.
Joshua Witchger is an editorial web assistant for Sojourners. Follow Joshua on his blog, Hail Fellow, Well Met.
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