Project Description

This exhibit showcases images captured by a group of Bhutanese refugee women living in Tucson. The women participated in photography classes that met twice a week from February through April 2012. These photographs—the product of their efforts in the course—present a window into their lives, revealing what they hold near and dear. These frames are filled with images of family members held close and of traditional wedding ceremonies.

The photography classes were the outcome of a Puffin Foundation Grant, which I applied for and was awarded in the fall of 2011. I taught two series of classes; the first worked with a group of Mexican immigrant women and the second with these women refugees from Bhutan. My partner in these efforts was the local office of The International Rescue Committee (IRC), an organization which focuses on refugee resettlement and support. The IRC provided assistance in organizing the second series of classes including an interpreter.

The group of Bhutanese refugee women whose work you see explored themes such as identity, family, community, and story sequence using donated digital and 35mm cameras. They spent time in class discussing visual literacy and sharing images. They explored their lives through writing and audio, using free writing and storytelling as a tool for envisioning. From the writing they thought of images that could represent those thoughts and stories. Our classes were a joyous opportunity for community building. The classes were held at an apartment complex and on occasion in the women's own homes where we took off our shoes and were greeted with fresh fruit. During the final meeting we all gathered in a room to record stories about the images and we laughed like children as we drank mango juice boxes.

Jamara Knight
Photography Instructor
jamara.knight@gmail.com