Vincent Cianni

 



  Vincent Cianni was my artist for my personal project, and he worked well for that his images have a nice sense of familiarity. As his projects have a personal and social aspect to them. His Gays in the Military he connects with as a queer person, but he used his photography career as a way to speak out for those without a voice. 

    In a magazine interview they describe it as him feeling " a connection to social justice issues and projects that deal with memory". I think that these issues are very much important till this day with the continues discrimination of queer individuals not only in the workplace but in everyday interactions as well. Just like any good portrait photographer Cianni spent a great deal of time searching for the individuals he photographs as well as interviewing and creating connections with them before he photographs. This series lasted a couple years and later became a book that express the need of simple human rights for those who fighting for our country, yet their rights of expression taken away. 

    In his second series I focused on was his We Skate Hardcore series that includes a more personal look at the lives of young boys and them finding ways to fulfill their passion for skating. Their ability to push to skate themselves out of the struggles of growing up with a lack of resources. This is dedication and another way of Cianni showing his passion for social justice for minority groups and showing their efforts to overcome the suppression that comes from just being a member of these groups. This series over time shows the "Kids inventing their own lives" and as they navigate new relationships and other aspects that come with growing up. 

    I connect with Ciannis work as I also like to advocate and support minorities as someone who interacts with and will continue to interact with multiple diverse groups. Social awareness is an important skill not only as a photographer to capture something that has meaning but also as a regular person in this complex society. Ciannis captures what is said to be, " desire for life, family, home, and community" all important things in college when you're growing up and finding your group of friends. 

Vincent Cianni photography website.   VINCENT CIANNI – PHOTOGRAPHY   

Rosenberg, David. (May 2014) An Intimate Look at the Lives of Gay Service Members. Slate Magazine.  Vincent Cianni: Gays in the Military is a series about gay men and women who served their country in secrecy (PHOTOS). (slate.com)

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